8 recommendations from experts for copperhead safety in North Carolina

Yahoo

3 days ago

Stories by News & Observer journalists, with AI summarization
Experts advise North Carolinians to watch where they step, especially in summer when copperheads are active. Knowing the copperhead's appearance — usually brownish-gray with hourglass patterns — and being able to tell them apart from harmless snakes is crucial. Keeping yards clear of debris and using protective gear like gloves while gardening can reduce chance encounters; copperheads may take shelter under porches or near cicada hotspots.
If bitten, seek emergency care at hospitals with antivenom and call NC Poison Control if symptoms are mild. For hikers, planning ahead by alerting others to your route and carrying a satellite phone in remote areas helps ensure rapid response in case of emergencies.
Always seek medical treatment, but antivenom is not always necessary, doctors say. Here's why. | Published May 8, 2023 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella
We talked to the medical director of NC Poison Control for his advice. Screenshot this story so you have it on your phone in an emergency. | Published June 15, 2023 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella
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
'Identifying snakes can be tricky, and mistaking a non-venomous snake for a venomous one is common.' | Published March 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by N&O Service Journalism Team, with Nota AI summarization
The hiss of cicadas is the copperhead's dinner bell. | Published May 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska
Here's what a wildlife biologist says you should do in your backyard to deter snakes (and nudge them out when you see one). | Published May 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska
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
Copperheads are the only venomous snake you're likely to encounter in the Triangle and central NC. Here's how to identify and avoid them. | Published April 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted
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.