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Project Noah Nature School
Agkistrodon contortrix
Spotted on Sep 19, 2011
Submitted on Oct 6, 2011
10 Comments
The copperhead despite its fearsome reputation, is generally non-aggressive and its bite though painful, is extremely rarely fatal. In fact, it often employs a "warning bite" when stepped on or agitated, injecting a small amount of venom, if any at all. Most recorded incidents of copperhead bites involve males between the ages of 16 and 25, who have been bitten whilst attempting to handle the snake. Unsurprisingly, alcohol consumption is often a factor in these incidents. Whilst anti-venom is available, it is rarely needed as the effects of a copperhead bite are usually short term, although of course, medical treatment should be sought.
Copperheads play an important role as top-level predators of rodents, and may also offer hope to cancer patients as their venom contains a protein called "contortrostatin" that is being researched for its potential to treat the disease in humans.
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Awesome series!
Stunning series... and quite a snake!
Wonderful shots...it's great to have a herpetologist aboard!
Great shot, my favorite reptile after the Gaboon Viper.
They are truly beautiful animals!
Beautiful shots & what amazing eyes!
EEK! and where were you in proximity?. Love your series!
Lovely shots, pretty eyes.
First photo is stunning, Great find