Snake Safety

Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen)
Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix)

Copperheads are the only reported poisonous snakes found on Ft. Pickett.

The cryptic coloration of the copperhead allows it to blend in well with deciduous leaf litter in the woods.

Most bites by this NON-AGGRESSIVE snake are caused by accidentally stepping on it.


Other snakes that may be confused with the copperhead include:

Northern water snake (juvenile)
Nerodia Sipedon Sipedon

The northern water snake may be found just about anywhere on Ft. Pickett where there's water...from the smallest stream to the Nottoway Reservoir.

Adults usually become darker with age and the contrasting bands may be obscured.

This snake is also frequently mistaken for the Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon Piscivorous Piscivorous) Also referred to as "water moccasin".

The range of the Cottonmouth does not extend northward or westward beyond the Tri-cities area: Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights.

Eastern Hognose snake
Heterodon platirhinos

Sometimes called the "spreading adder" because of its defensive "cobra like" head spreading display, the hognose snake is another Ft. Pickett resident which is frequently mistaken for the copperhead. The diet of the hognose consists mainly of toads, which they "root up" with their upturned snout. Their color varies from a mottled brown or orange background with dark blotches, to a solid dark grey/black with the blotches hardly visible. Despite its menacing displays, this snake is harmless and quite entertaining.

Black Rat Snake
Elaphe Obsoleta

Black Rat snakes, or "blacksnakes", are very common on Ft. Pickett. Juveniles are cryptically colored for the first few years of life. Upon reaching maturity, the snake goes through a color change from mottled (see picture) to solid black with a faint white chain-like pattern. During the transition period, the snake exhibits a mixture of the adult and juvenile coloration. This gradual change in coloration from mottled to solid may be the source of folk tales suggesting hybridization between black rat snakes and copperheads. In truth, cross-breeding between two families is not possible.

Corn Snake
Elaphe guttata guttata

Corn snakes are in the Rat Snake family.

These snakes prey chiefly on rodents, just as their cousins do--the Black Rat Snakes (Blacksnakes).

Corn snakes are not as common though.

Color variations (i.e. slightly darker) in individuals may cause them to resemble the copperhead.

Eastern Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis

The eastern garter snake is found througout Ft. Pickett.

It is easily distinguished from the copperhead by its three longitudinal dorsal yellow stripes.