Is this a Copperhead Snake?

tractchores · Apr 17, 2012

Not a copperhead, maybe a milk snake? They have a similar pattern, but don't have the same markings on the head of a copperhead. They're harmless, but get big and act aggressive (imitate a copper head), so I for one don't try to get close enough to distinguish the marks on the top of the head!

Dr_Zinj · Apr 17, 2012

If it doesn't have two humongous fangs, it's not a copperhead, or a moccasin, or a rattler.

Note: Several snakes wil buzz their tails on leaves to imitate a rattlesnake; but they are not poisonous.

Western · Apr 17, 2012

A Canebreak rattlesnake. looks like it may have been getting ready to "shed' his skin, but hard to tell, where the eyes milky looking?
Look here
Species Profile: Canebrake / Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) | SREL Herpetology

dieselscout80 · Apr 17, 2012

Western said:
A Canebreak rattlesnake. looks like it may have been getting ready to "shed' his skin, but hard to tell, where the eyes milky looking?
Look here
Species Profile: Canebrake / Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) | SREL Herpetology

I think you are correct now that I read your link and looked at this.

The red-brown stripe running down its back is what makes me think you are correct.

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/pdf/VenomousSnakesSC.pdf

Western · Apr 17, 2012

dieselscout80 said:
I think you are correct now that I read your link and looked at this.

The red-brown stripe running down its back is what makes me think you are correct.

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/pdf/VenomousSnakesSC.pdf

The stripes (crossbands) are also consistent, usually another good way to help identify various snakes. (Cottonmouth can be hard some times since their color patterns vary so much) I have had many kinds of rattlesnakes, but never a CaneBreak, that is a "purdy" snake.

Redbug · Apr 17, 2012

Canebreak...

dieselscout80 · Apr 17, 2012

The buzzard hadn't got to it yet so I got a better pic that shows the rattles.

This snake was small about 18" or so.

RTII · Apr 17, 2012

Redbug said:
Canebreak...

Yep, we've always called them timber rattlers. Same snake though........

2LaneCruzer · Apr 17, 2012

RTII said:
Yep, we've always called them timber rattlers. Same snake though........

Yep...shoot first and ask questions later.

legbuh · Apr 17, 2012

Looks like a bull snake to me. They look like rattlers and will actually shake their tail hitting objects to emulate a rattler. Non poisonous. We get quite a few around are place late spring sunning themselves on the back (south side) porch.

The garderns are out now.. I have gotten pretty good at "dealing" with them.. Even the huge bulls.