Is this a Copperhead Snake?

[legbuh]

They look like bulls to me. That's mainly what we have around here. Once temps get warmer they start coming out (a couple months after gardners).

BTW, this is my favorite snake "handling" tool. I "handle" anywhere from 30-40 a year. They love the south side of our stucco house!

 

[s219]

BTW, this is my favorite snake "handling" tool. I "handle" anywhere from 30-40 a year. They love the south side of our stucco house!

My dad gave me his old one, which he used to kill snakes. In fact, I don't even know what it's real purpose (as a yard tool) is!

We also got good at killing copperheads with canoe paddles at a boat shop I worked at. The cheapo paddles with aluminum shaft and plastic blade were the best. The neighbors had been blasting ledge to put in a new foundation, and the copperheads were migrating towards the boat shop like it was a land run.

 

[RobertBrown]

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.

It's a cane brake and it just fed on something. It probably just got a rat and was having trouble getting back on it's way.

 

[toppop52]

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

Yep, we called those velvet tail rattlers in ne NC where I'm from. Most have a black tail or at least dark colored that looks like velvet from a few inches away. I stepped on one when I was about 17. I was running from ground bees we stirred up with a crane and luckily I broke his neck so he couldn't strike straight. Mom still has the rattle, 11 rattles and a button.

 

[dieselscout80]

This //www.tractorbynet.com/forums/photos/238095-our-first-copperhead-year.html in the pictures forum has a couple of good pictures of a copperhead I killed in March.

Thanks I can see the difference.

 

[bullbreaker]

This post reminds me of one of the reasons I'm glad I live in Maine the only state in the lower forty eight that has no poisionus snakes:thumbsup:

There are no Poisonous snakes anywhere in the world. The correct term is Venomous snakes. But no there aren't any of those either in Maine. :thumbsup:

Too darn cold !

Boone

 

[Depmandog]

It's a cane brake and it just fed on something. It probably just got a rat and was having trouble getting back on it's way.

Not arguing, just curious...the OP said it was 18" long. Do you think that small of snake could have eaten a rat? Mouse of course, but a rat? Just wondering...I do agree it just fed...wonder what...?

 

[forgeblast]

I just saw the first snake of the year yesterday for my zone 5.
That chopper looking thing looks like an ice chopper that my grandmother would use to clean off her steps in the winter. I sharpened it and use it for hacking at roots when digging a hole.

 

[legbuh]

My dad gave me his old one, which he used to kill snakes. In fact, I don't even know what it's real purpose (as a yard tool) is!

We also got good at killing copperheads with canoe paddles at a boat shop I worked at. The cheapo paddles with aluminum shaft and plastic blade were the best. The neighbors had been blasting ledge to put in a new foundation, and the copperheads were migrating towards the boat shop like it was a land run.

It's used to chip ice off sidewalks and driveways. But it works better on snakes.

 

[toppop52]

In my part of NC they were used to cut roots as well.