ALERT- Copperheads are Alive at The Parke - ALERT

                                     by Bob & Diane McGraw

While on vacation, the McGraws at 7 Central Parke West, were notified by the Parke's General Manager:  "The Moore Co. was at your house this week, turning on your irrigation system.  They found two copperhead snakes in your control box.  And yes, they were alive.  YUCK!!!!!!!!!"   

The Copperhead is the most common venomous snake found in the eastern US. It is also known by the name "Highland Moccasin."  As the photo below shows (photo taken during Worcester County Herps Survey in May 2005), copperheads are usually colorful and strikingly patterned snakes. They derive their name from the copper-like coloring of the head. The background color of the back and sides is tan to pinkish. There are darker, chestnut colored bands across the back and sides. Each band is of varying width, often described as hourglass shaped.  Breeding occurs in late summer so our "two snakes" were not apparently mating.

Copperheads account for more cases of venomous snake bites than any of our other species.  Although venomous, these snakes are generally non-aggressive and bites are seldom fatal.  A bite from any venomous snake should be taken very seriously and "immediate" medical attention sought.

Like most North American viperids, these snakes prefer to avoid humans and, given the opportunity, will leave the area without biting.  However, unlike other viperids they will often "freeze" instead of slithering away, and as a result many bites occur from people unknowingly stepping on or near them. This tendency to freeze likely evolved because of the extreme effectiveness of their camouflage. When lying on dead leaves or red clay they can be almost impossible to notice. They will frequently stay still even when approached closely, and will generally strike only if physical contact is made.

Dave Wilson from The Coastal Bays Program requests that you contact him directly at 410-213-BAYS (2297) if you see a copperhead.  He and a staff member will remove "it" from your premises.  In the McGraw's case, they would arrive to remove "them"!   YUCK!!!!!!!!!