- The adult copperhead diet is carnivorous, but baby copperheads have a diet that consists mainly of insects. Copperheads are not picky eaters, as they eat a variety of small rodents, birds, other reptiles and even other snakes.
- Copperheads have a venom that can kill humans and other animals. The venom is a hemolytic fluid, which means, once injected by the snake, it breaks down the red blood cells in its victims. Copperheads ambush their prey, then inject the venom via fangs. As the red blood cells break down, the prey is subdued and the snake can eat it.
The Smithsonian Zoological Park notes that the copperhead has two distinct methods for capturing its prey. One method for larger animals and another for small animals. Copperheads hunt large animals by biting and then releasing them. Then they track the prey until it becomes debilitated. When the copperhead senses weakness it attacks again, this time with the intention of swallowing the meal whole. In contrast, the zoological park states that "smaller prey is usually held in its mouth until it dies." - The venom from a copperhead bite can kill humans so it is best to avoid them if possible. Unfortunately, copperheads often live near people. They are well camouflaged and difficult to see. Wood piles are a favorite spot for copperheads to hide. When living near copperheads, for example, do not remove a log of wood from the outdoor pile with the hands. Instead use a tool like a fireplace poker to pull the log onto the ground first.
The snakes also like to spend time in and around the banks of creeks and streams. Copperheads not only drink the fresh water, they lay in wait for other animals to do the same. Be cautious of copperheads at the edge of swimming holes with places to hide, such as brush or rocks. Sometimes aggressive when touched, copperheads may strike. Seek medical attention immediately if bitten.
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