Can you spot this venomous snake hiding in plain sight? It's native to Ohio. Where to find it
The social media post shared by Missouri Wildlife appears to just be leaf litter on the forest floor. But camouflaged in it is a dangerous surprise to unobservant hikers, a venomous copperhead. And the snake is native to Ohio.
Can you spot it?
Posted by Missouri Wildlife on Thursday, February 16, 2023
The post may be two years old, but it is still popping up in people's feeds, and generating comments.
Here's what you should know about the copperhead in Ohio.
One of three venomous snakes native to Ohio, the copperhead is "uncommon" in the Buckeye State, according to the Reptiles of Ohio Field Guide produced by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. It has been historically recorded in 25 counties but only seen in eight since 1976, mostly in Southeast Ohio.
The copperhead has bitten more people in the United States than any other venomous snake, according to the guide. However fewer snakebite deaths are attributed to the copperhead. Bites are rarely fatal because the amount of venom injected isn't enough to hurt a healthy adult. But bites are painful, like a bee sting, and can cause a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Rare rattlesnake: Endangered eastern massasauga rattlesnake found in Ohio. Here's what to know
Copperheads are "vividly blotched" with "a distinct copper head," according to the Division of Wildlife.
"Their coloration not only serves as excellent camouflage, but also makes them one of Ohio's most beautiful reptiles," according to the reptile guide.
In Ohio, the copperhead has been found in eight southern and southeastern Ohio counties since 1976: Adams, Scioto, Jackson, Vinton, Hocking, Meigs, Athens and Washington. Historically, the snake was found as far north as Ashland, Holmes and Columbiana counties, according to the Division of Wildlife.
They occupy a variety of habitats, from floodplains to ridgetops, but show a marked preference for the rocky, wooded hillsides of southeastern Ohio, according to the reptile guide. Copperheads tend to stay away from well-settled areas.
🐍 World Snake Day 🤩Ohio has only three species of venomous snakes, two of which have rattles at the end of the tail....
Posted by Ohio Division of Wildlife on Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Ohio's venomous snakes: Ohio is home to 3 venomous and rare snake species. What you need to know about them
When encountered, copperheads will usually lie motionless or retreat if they have the chance.
Don't provoke them. When agitated, they will vibrate their tail rapidly and strike wildly, per the Division of Wildlife.
The eastern copperhead is one of three venomous snakes that are native to Ohio, along with the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and the timber rattlesnake.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Can you see the camouflaged copperhead? Where to find venomous snake in Ohio
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