Baby Copperhead Season Has Arrived, North Carolina Officials Warn

Baby copperhead snake season has arrived, and the state department of agriculture warns citizens to be aware of the small, venomous snakes. Because copperheads can be everywhere outdoors, people going on hikes or walks outside should watch their step.

"Look out for baby copperheads this time of year in North Carolina," wildlife officials said online. "As the weather gets cooler, many people go on hikes, walks and runs in their neighborhood or local park, and these little snakes can be hard to spot."

News Observer reports that most copperheads are born in August and September, can grow to be two to four feet long, and their "color varies from pink to coppery-tan with dark brown hourglass-shaped cross-bands overlying." When born, baby copperheads can be defensive and seeking out food, in turn making them more aggressive. However, they can also be calm if they are not harassed.

Copperheads are the most common venomous snake in the state. The North Carolina Poison Control center receives 10 times the calls about copperhead bites than all other snakes in the state combined.

"People are getting bitten because they're in their yard, they're doing yard work and now that they're moving around more, they're running into snakes," Michael Beuhler, NCPC Medical Director, told Spectrum Local News. He said the amount of venom a copperhead releases depends on how threatened it feels.

If you are bitten by a snake, and especially if you start exhibiting physical symptoms like swelling, seek medical attention.

Photo: NC Poison Control, NC Dept. of Ag