Copperhead Snake Facts for Kids

One animal that our country is known (and feared) for is our snakes.  One of those is the Australian Copperhead snake, a moisture-loving serpent who manages to exist in some of the coldest and wettest regions of Australia. 

There are three types of Copperhead Snake, the Pygmy (which resides in high altitude forests), the Highland Copperhead (which prefers open forest) and the Lowland Copperhead (found in grassland, heathland, woodlands and open scrub).   All three species love to be by the water and waterways.

Although feared in general, Copperhead snakes are actually rather shy and will only bite if continuously provoked.  Below are some more fun facts and information about one of the most cold-tolerant snakes in Australia.

The copperhead snake is a venomous snake. 

Fun Copperhead Snake Facts

• • Copperhead Snakes are cold-blooded reptiles.
  • Copperhead Snakes are usually found near cold, rainy areas.  They love marshes, lagoons, swamps, lakes, creeks, streams and rivers.
  • Copperhead Snakes are one of the most cold-tolerant snakes in Australia.
  • Copperhead Snakes are primarily ground-dwelling however, they will climb occasionally, for example, in order to bask.
  • Copperhead Snakes are mostly diurnal although they may be active on warm evenings.
  • Copperheads tend to be secretive and prefer to avoid encounters with humans.
  • There are three species of Copperhead Snake – the Pygmy Copperhead, the Highland Copperhead and the Lowland Copperhead Snake.
  • The Pygmy Copperhead Snake is found almost exclusively in high-altitude forests.
  • The Highland Copperhead Snake is found in woodland and open forest, usually near water.
  • The Lowland Copperhead Snake inhabits grassland, heathland, woodlands and open scrub. 
  • Copperheads are restricted to relatively cool and cold environments in southeastern parts of Australia, including Kangaroo Island, Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands.
  • Copperhead Snakes are carnivorous and prey on insects, frogs, lizards (and lizard eggs), and snakes. They will also occasionally eat warm-blooded prey such as birds and mammals. Skinks are by far their most common prey.
  • Copperheads are also reported to be cannibalistic.
  • All three species of Copperhead Snakes are ovoviviparous (live-bearing).
  • Even just-hatched copperheads have fully functional fangs capable of injecting venom that is just as toxic as an adult’s venom.
  • The average length of an adult copperhead is between 61 and 90 cm.
  • Copperhead Snakes can flatten their entire body, usually when threatened or basking in the sun.

What does a Copperhead Snake look like?

All three species of Copperhead Snake are similar in appearance, moderately robust and muscular in build. The scales of the back and upper sides are semi-glossy and uniformly blackish to grey brown in colour, with a brownish or orange flush in some individuals of Lowland and Highland Copperheads.  There are no markings except for an obscure neck band and/or a dark vertebral line in some individuals.  

Copperhead Snake Bite

The Copperhead snake bite can be potentially fatal without medical assistance as its venom is both neuro and hemotoxic.

Although they are therefore considered a dangerous snake species, the Copperhead Snake is actually pretty shy and rarely bites unless it is extremely provoked.  

If cornered or provoked, a Copperhead Snake will hiss loudly, flatten its body and thrash or flick out.  This is more of a protective measure for itself and not actually to hurt anyone.  It will only bite if it is continually harassed or provoked.

Body Temperature

Australian Copperhead Snakes are cold-blooded animals, which means that their body temperatures change with that of their surroundings.  If they want to warm up, they will often be found basking in the sun.  Alternatively, if they are looking to cool their body temperature down then they will move into the shade or a cooler spot.

Copperhead Snakes are one of the most cold-tolerant snakes in Australia.  Even in winter and snowy conditions, they have been known to be seen out and about, basking in the sun.

Where can you find Copperhead Snakes?

Fortunately, Copperhead Snakes are not found in Brisbane as they prefer colder and wetter environments.  Our local zoos don’t have any last time we checked either.  

Copperheads are restricted to relatively cool and cold environments in southeastern parts of Australia, including Kangaroo Island, Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands.

• You might also be interested in our resource about Snakes in Brisbane | Avoiding slithering Summer visitors