Explore 7 stories demystifying NC copperheads and other snakes
Stories by News & Observer journalists, with AI summarization
North Carolina copperheads, our most common venomous snake, are often spotted searching for food like cicadas or rodents in yards and gardens. Experts say copperheads prefer hiding under vegetation, porches, or in piles of leaves and wood, so clearing these shelters is the best way to make your space less attractive to them. Removing food sources like spilled birdseed can also help, as rodents drawn to the area bring copperheads in.
Stories clarify common myths, such as baby copperhead bites not being more dangerous than adults, and that copperheads would rather avoid humans than bite. If you do see a snake, experts advise giving it space, not handling it, and calling professionals like NC Snake Catcher if needed, while always watching where you step, especially at night or in thick ground cover.
Copperheads are NC's most common venomous snake, and sometimes they come a little too close to our front doors. | Published July 18, 2023 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella
Fact or fiction: Are baby copperhead bites more venomous than adult bites? Here's what the experts say. | Published August 9, 2023 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella
I've written more than a dozen stories about copperheads, but this was my first up-close-and-personal encounter. (Tip: cussing the snake out doesn't help.) | Published September 25, 2023 | Read Full Story by Brooke Cain
Glass (legless) lizards look remarkably snake-like. We talked to wildlife experts to find out how to tell the difference. | Published May 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted
We fact checked 15 common beliefs about snakes, including several about copperhead behavior. | Published May 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska
We may be more likely to see snakes this time of year, as the weather warms. Use this information to make encounters less scary. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted
Humans know to leave snakes alone if we see them. Dogs don't. In case a copperhead strikes your furry friend, keep these tips in mind. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted Brooke Cain
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
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