Genus: Agkistrodon

Scales: Weakly keeled

Anal Plate: Single

Southern Copperheads are one of three subspecies of copperheads found in Texas. This particular subspecies are found throughout East Texas and the Southeastern part of the United States. This species is absent from all but a tiny part of Florida. Adult copperheads are generally around two to little under three feet in length. As neonates and juveniles, copperheads eat amphibians and reptiles, but as adults their diets mainly moves to rodents. Neonates have yellow tails that they use as a lure to attract prey items, such as small frogs. Of all the native venomous snakes, copperhead venom is considered the mildest, but still strong enough to require hospitalization. If the person bitten is allergic the venom, its bite still can rack up a 30,000 dollar medical bill. Like all venomous snakes, people must be cautious around them. Proper snake handling tools must be use when handling this species, and they should only handled by experienced snake handlers.

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