Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a widespread venomous pit viper, found widely through Maryland, but more commonly into western Maryland. Most Maryland Copperheads are assigned to Northern Copperhead A. c. mokasen, while apparent intergrades with Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen x A. contortrix contortrix) are known from portions of the Eastern Shore (Maryland DNR site). This species generally favors forested landscapes, including open woodlands, brushy fields, rocky outcroppings, and wetland edges. Its cryptic coloration blends into dead leaf litter amazingly well, and the species can often be easily overlooked even at close range. The diet ranges from insects, reptiles, birds, and small mammals (Tennant, 2003).
This species is venomous, and while bites are rarely fatal to adults with prompt medical attention, they are highly painful. It should not be handled or provoked.
There are 398 records in the project database.
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