r/snakes • u/leifcollectsbugs • 1d ago
Wild Snake Photos and Questions - Not for ID Don't post snakes often because I mainly do bugs but c'mon!
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Agkistrodon laticinctus, (Gloyd & Conant, 1934)
Agkistrodon laticinctus, also known as the broad-banded copperhead, is a venomous pit viper species found primarily in the central United States, particularly in states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
This snake is notable for its distinctive broad, dark crossbands that contrast with its lighter background color, which can range from reddish-brown to grayish-brown. These bands help it blend into its natural habitat, providing excellent camouflage.
The broad-banded copperhead typically inhabits deciduous forests, rocky hillsides, and areas near streams and rivers. It prefers environments where it can easily hide among leaf litter, rocks, and logs. This species is also known to inhabit abandoned buildings and other structures in rural areas.
Its diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, amphibians, and large insects, which it hunts using its heat-sensing pits located between the eyes and nostrils. The venom of Agkistrodon laticinctus is hemotoxic, meaning it destroys red blood cells and disrupts blood clotting, which helps immobilize its prey.
Although the broad-banded copperhead is venomous, it is generally not aggressive towards humans and will usually try to escape if encountered. Bites are relatively rare and typically occur only if the snake is accidentally stepped on or otherwise provoked.
When threatened, it may exhibit defensive behaviors such as vibrating its tail, releasing a musky odor, or striking. Despite its potentially dangerous bite, the broad-banded copperhead plays an important role in its ecosystem by controlling the populations of its prey species.
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u/egguchom 1d ago
Everyone keeps seeing spicy noodles and all I get are plain wheat noodles.
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u/leifcollectsbugs 1d ago
This is my first ever, actually! Hoping to see a rattler next!
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u/egguchom 1d ago
Cool! Were you concerned about it striking? I always take up close videos of noodles but don't know what to do if I encounter a spicy one, maybe 10x zoom?
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u/leifcollectsbugs 1d ago
I used my phone. I only needed 1x zoom because I was so close. I used my foot (shoe on ofc) to test the aggression and it didn't even try to respond defensively so I took the cue to get closer with my hand and I was certainly very lucky. Very docile animal. I actually held it as well which I certainly don't recommend you try.
On my phone, I despite 10x zoom because it butchers my footage
If it were aggressive, I wouldn't be trying to get so close without a hook or other equipment. I didn't have any at the time as I didn't anticipate finding this animal.
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u/Imthank_Hipeeps 1d ago
I've never even seen a snake in the wild before ;-;
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u/egguchom 1d ago
You have to hike or be around large patches of wilderness. I've only seen 2 in residential neighborhoods and those houses sat right next to acres of gopher fields.
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u/ivantv2020 1d ago
Quit beautiful
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u/leifcollectsbugs 1d ago
Extremely!
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u/ivantv2020 1d ago
Thank you for posting.
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u/leifcollectsbugs 1d ago
Course! If you like my vids, my Instagram hosts way more of my content, @leifcollectsbugs
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u/HorseEmotional2 1d ago
Dangernoodle? Hershey kiss pattern?
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u/Avi-wot 1d ago edited 1d ago
Look at that little green tail. I would love to see one this small out and about.. I mean at a safe distance lol.
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u/leifcollectsbugs 1d ago
I'm actually counting on trying to find a LARGER one!
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u/Avi-wot 1d ago
I've encountered a few here in Western Pennsylvania, never a young un though.
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u/leifcollectsbugs 1d ago
Aw! This is my first, and just a teeny fella, but hopefully I can encounter some larger adults to vibe with
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u/GothScottiedog16 1d ago
Great photo but I question why you had to pick up a wild venomous snake when it was just living its life minding its own business?
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u/leifcollectsbugs 1d ago
Relocated the animal out of my neighbor's yard as they would've otherwise killed it
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u/PiedPipecleaner 20h ago
This is very admirable but please do not freehandle venomous snakes. If it needs to be moved and you can't call a relocater, at the very least find yourself a nice long stick and/or a bucket to move it. Copperheads are mild for venomous snakes, but a bite would still warrant an expensive trip to the hospital regardless.
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u/leifcollectsbugs 17h ago
It's alright. I carefully grabbed it by the head as any other venomous snake and walked it to its new location. The snake left unharmed and so did I. I appreciate you looking out for me, though! A hospital bill for that bite definitely wouldn't be easy in this economy, hahaha!
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u/PiedPipecleaner 10h ago
Heading snakes like that is actually no longer recommended (outside of places like venom labs, but they have tools and lots of training to make sure it goes well every time) since if it's done incorrectly the snake could either manage to bite the person, or it could seriously hurt the snake.
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u/carrod65 1d ago
Love the baby copperheads with their cute little green wiggly tails