Do copperhead snakes leave scents behind when they are killed to let other copperheads know the area is unoccupied? I ask this because we are staying on a farm and that is what they say. So we respect their wishes and we relocate the copperheads, across a river, instead of killing them.
By A.C.
Have you checked with the ag (agricultural) extension agent in your county about how to peacefully co-exist with copperheads? The number will be in the white pages of your phone book, or you can check their website by Googling. The website will have a ton of really good, scientifically sound information regarding all kinds of plants and animals found in your area.
I'm not a big fan of copperheads, but good on you for not killing every one you find, as they are actually a beneficial animal.
The presence of more than one indicates an environment favourable to them, might be you have a rodent population the copperheads see as a moveable buffet:) Every rat or squirrel the copperheads eat is one less rodent who might end up in your car, walls or attic chewing electrical wires.
However, copperheads can also hurt you or yours with their very serious bite. Best to get some trained advice from the ag extension agent nearest you.
Snakes do not travel in pairs for one. Two every venomous snake has slit eyes and in the case of copper heads also have venom glands giving them a spade shaped head. Dont listen to idiots telling you the only way to ID. them is to look at their fangs.
I would like to clarify potentially dangerous error. Not all venomous snakes have elliptical pupils. Coral snakes in the same family as cobra have solid black, round eyes. they are found in the south, southeast and southwest United States. To identify venomous coral snake from milk snakes which are very similar "red touches black, friendly Jack; red touches yellow, will kill a fellow." They don't bite often, but in recent years there have been more bites.
I'm not sure if the scent attracts other copperheads, but they do seem to emit a scent. I've heard it emits the scent when they are disturbed, but the scent has alerted me to the presence of copperheads several times. It's a smell similar to cucumber melon scented candles or shampoo. Some describe it as just as cucumber. Others don't smell it at all. On a side note Cottomouths smell like sewage.
My dad always said "when he smells cucumbers,there is a copperhead around. He would never eat a cucumber. We lived in the hills of southeastern Ky.
Are you seriously going to get close enough to see their pupils???!! Check the head, if it looks like a broad arrowhead, STAY BACK FOOL!!
Yes they do travel in pairs!! We had 2 together about 4 days ago. The same area today had 3 together.. So yes they do travel in pairs!!
I was cutting grass at my home and I have a concrete slab out back. I seen where I had hit and cut in half a baby snake. I it was a small copper head. I stopped and found another I killed it and then another they ended up being five.
Just found 2 together in my yard.
They do travel in pairs. Every copperhead we have ever killed was followed by one more. EVERY SINGLE TIME. And they will den up with rattlesnakes and chicken snakes.
Coral Snakes ARE poisonous, but do not have long fangs like the other Pit Vipers. They take hold of their target (bite) and CHEW to inject their venom.
I don't think mothers stay to care for their young. They have enough venom when they are born to kill for themselves. They are born live so unless she stays around for the slab for protection she should not hang around. They used to get in around decorative rock that was around my house. But I would definately keep an eye out and fill in that hole and any others around your slab.
I used to think they traveled in pairs as well. Always heard that but when I googled it said no because they hunt for their food and another snake along side could make competition for food. That doesn't mean at breeding time that there could not be more than one or more together.
According what I have read since they are hunters that they usually travel alone so their is no competition for food. Are you sure they are not breeding. I would imagine that if they are of any decent size that they could be breeding. I lived in the woods in Missouri and saw many, too many of them and I never saw two together, although I always heard that too but the hunting thing makes sense. However they would group together during times of mating I am sure.
I have heard people say that all snakes omit an odor. I have lived around many copperheads and various regular nothing snakes and I unfortunately never smell anything. Don't like snakes!!!!
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I'm having problems with baby copperheads. Just this month I've found three. One of them got into my house. I've lived in the same house for 3 years and never had this problem before. I read that this is the month that they should be hibernating. Why are they moving around and what can I do to locate where they might be? Does this mean that the nest or den is close by?
By stacy from Honey Grove, TX
Go to Sentinel Electronic Snake Repeller, lot of info there, good luck.
I think for a poisionous snake, I'd hire an exterminator.
I have garter snakes that live between my foundation and the sidewalk. I've had them come into my basement family room. They are very annoying. I live in PA where snakes hibernate for the winter. I understand that snakes don't like strong or bad smells. They are repelled by them. imho, one visit from an exterminator would be well worth the money spent. He can advise you about what you need to do.
Im thinking the one in your house might have come thru a hole in your foundation make sure you dont have holes around your house a good way to check would be to install a french drain it might be that you have a way under your foundation
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Is there a snake I can keep around my property that will either eat or drive away copperheads? Last year we counted 5 different copperheads in our yard.
