What are the 3 venomous snakes in Virginia?
Venomous Snakes in Virginia. Most of the snake species in Virginia are harmless, but three of the 30 species are venomous: Northern Copperheads, Timber Rattlesnakes, and Cottonmouths. Learning to identify these three can help you rule out what snake you are – or are not – seeing.
Are snakes a problem in Virginia?
Virginia has 32 native snakes, and you can’t be expected the know them all. But you can take a big step toward protecting yourself and your scaly neighbors if you familiarize yourself with just six. Three are venomous — rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and copperheads. They can indeed be dangerous if you get too close.
What poisonous snakes does Virginia have?
In Virginia, there are timber rattlesnakes, northern copperheads, and eastern cottonmouths. The timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is found in the mountainous regions of Virginia as well as the Dismal Swamp. Adults range from 30 to 60 inches in length and come in a variety of color patterns.
Are snakes bad in West Virginia?
There are 22 types of snakes that live in West Virginia, only 2 of which are considered dangerous to humans. Most of these snakes are rarely observed by hikers: snakes are quiet, private creatures that want to avoid our company as much as we want to avoid theirs.
Do copperheads live in Virginia?
There are only three species of venomous snakes in Virginia. The copperhead (found statewide) is the most common; and while it is usually not found inside homes, it may be common in gardens and woodlots.
What should you do if you get bit by a copperhead snake?
Lay or sit the person down with the bite below the level of the heart. Tell him/her to stay calm and still. Wash the wound with warm soapy water immediately. Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
What is the most poisonous snake in Virginia?
copperhead
The copperhead is the most common venomous snake in Virginia. They prefer to live in places where they can hide and find lots of food, such as a forest or areas with tall grass. But copperheads have been found in urban areas, too.
Are there water moccasin snakes in West Virginia?
Copperheads and rattlesnakes are the only venomous snakes found in West Virginia. So if someone told you they saw a cottonmouth, water moccasin, cobra, boa constrictor or python in the wild here, they are full of it.
How big do copperheads get in Virginia?
Eastern Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix
| Common Name: | Eastern Copperhead |
|---|---|
| Average Length: | 24-36 in. (61-90 cm) |
| Virginia Record Length: | 48 in. (121.9 cm) |
| Record length: | 53 in. (134.6 cm) |
Do Copperheads chase you?
“Many venomous species, including copperheads, rely on their camouflage to avoid conflict — so they don’t run away,” Steen said. Therefore, it’s true that many snakes won’t flee. However, “no snake will attack a human,” Beane said. “Most will retreat, given any reasonable chance.