Copperheads in the Lowcountry

That pile of leaves under your trees may be just a pile of leaves. But in the Lowcountry, it’s worth looking twice for an unwanted resident before reaching down.

Copperheads are easy to miss. In fact, most bites happen because a person or pet accidentally steps on or comes into close physical contact with a stationary snake they didn’t see. Their tan and brown markings can make them disappear among leaves and pine straw; catching homeowners, gardeners, hikers and dog walkers by surprise. Found throughout South Carolina, the venomous snakes can turn up in the your yard as well as along trails, paths and in wooded areas.

Most snakes encountered in the Lowcountry aren’t venomous. According to Clemson Cooperative Extension of South Carolina’s 38 snake species, six of them are venomous.
One of the easiest ways to identify a copperhead is by their distinctive Hershey Kiss-shaped markings.

Viewed from the side, the dark brown markings resemble the broad, triangular “kiss” shape of the chocolate candy. Viewed from above, those markings form hourglass-shaped bands that are narrow across the snake’s back and wider along its sides.

Adult copperheads are generally 2 to 3 feet long with thick bodies. Their base color ranges from pale tan to brown, sometimes with a pinkish tint.

Young copperheads look much like adults but can have a bright yellow or greenish-yellow tail tip that fades as they mature.

Several harmless snakes can look similar to copperheads, so don’t get closer just to make an identification. If you’re unsure, keep your distance and leave the snake alone. Watch the woodpile and leaf litter

Copperheads favor wooded areas, but the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says they also can be found along fence rows, around yards and in both dry wooded areas and lowlands near water.

If you spot a copperhead, leave it alone. Trying to catch, move or kill a venomous snake increases the risk of being bitten.

To help avoid bites, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing boots and long pants in areas where venomous snakes may be present and leather gloves when handling brush and debris.

The appearance of young copperheads in late summer and early fall also brings a persistent misconception: that the smaller snakes are harmless or, at the other extreme, more dangerous than adults.

Young copperheads are venomous from birth and their venom is as toxic as that of an adult copperhead. So the same advice applies, stay away and don’t touch it.

All suspected venomous snakebites requires prompt medical attention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends moving away from the snake, remaining calm and seeking emergency medical care as soon as possible. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Remove rings, watches and other constricting items before swelling begins.

Wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing. Do not cut the bite, try to suck out the venom, apply ice or use a tourniquet. Do not try to catch or kill the snake for identification.

People aren’t the only ones to stumble across a copperhead. Dogs often encounter a snake before their owners see it.

If your dog is bitten, move him away from the snake, keep it as calm as possible and seek veterinary care immediately. If you are able, carry the dog rather than allowing it to walk.

Copperheads feed on rodents and other small animals and generally rely on their camouflage to avoid confrontation.

For those of us living in the Lowcountry the best defense is a good offense. Be aware and look carefully before putting a hand or foot somewhere the snakes may be hiding.