Copperheads are venomous snakes found throughout the eastern and central United States. If you’ve stumbled upon this article, you likely had an encounter with one or more of these snakes and are wondering – do copperheads travel in pairs?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Copperheads typically lead solitary lives and do not actively travel together in pairs or groups. However, it is not uncommon for multiple copperheads to convene in a particular area if conditions are favorable, such as a site with plenty of prey, shelter, and mates.
The Solitary Nature of Copperheads
Copperheads are loners by nature. These venomous pit vipers tend to be solitary creatures that only come together to mate or to hibernate communally. According to herpetologists, copperheads spend over 90% of their time alone, hunting small prey like mice, amphibians, and insects in wooded areas and forests across the eastern and central United States (SREL).
The solitary lifestyle of the copperhead likely developed as an adaptation to help this ambush predator be as stealthy and camouflaged as possible while waiting to strike unsuspecting prey. Their tan, coppery body color with darker brown cross bands provides excellent concealment in leaf litter and brush.
By being lone hunters, copperheads can spread out over an area rather than drawing attention by congregating in groups.
Exception: Communal Hibernation
Copperheads may be loners for most of the year, but they do make one main exception. According to field studies, groups of up to 30 copperheads have been observed overwintering together in communal dens (Garton & Dimmick, 1971).
These winter hideaways are often rocky outcroppings with crevices that allow the cold-blooded snakes to safely hibernate through frigid temperatures. The shared body heat in the den helps this species survive until spring, when they will emerge and once again disperse to live and hunt alone.
Why Copperheads Gather
Favorable habitat draws multiple snakes
Copperheads, like all snakes, require certain habitat features to thrive such as ample places to hide, abundant prey, and proper temperatures. Areas with rocky outcrops, rotting logs, and other natural debris tend to draw multiple copperheads as they compete for prime real estate.
A 2008 population study observed up to 12 copperheads sharing the same winter refuge. As ectotherms, copperheads rely on external heat sources and will congregate in habitats that enable them to properly thermoregulate like south-facing rocky hillsides or open woods with ample sunlight.
The presence of prey like mice, lizards, and amphibians also leads copperheads to gather in favorable hunting grounds.
Breeding season leads to increased activity
The copperhead breeding season stretches from February to May across most of their range. As the males begin courting females, there is naturally an uptick in copperhead movements and sightings. A 2013 telemetry study found male copperheads will track a pheromone trail left by a female to locate her.
This inevitably leads to groups of males gathering around a single receptive female. Their increased activity and boldness during the breeding season also leads them to venture into areas frequented by humans, resulting in more human-snake conflict.
Being aware of the time of year can help predict if copperheads may be encountered.
Dangers of Stumbling Upon Multiple Copperheads
Encountering one copperhead snake can be scary enough, but running into multiple copperheads poses even greater risks. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of crossing paths with a group of these venomous pit vipers.
Increased Likelihood of Being Bitten
Copperheads often rest in hidden areas and rely on camouflage to avoid predators. If you accidentally disturb a nest or den of multiple copperheads, your chances of being bitten skyrocket. Startled snakes are more likely to strike in self-defense, and with more snakes present, it’s harder to spot and avoid them all.
Higher Venom Loads
While a single copperhead bite is almost never fatal to humans, multiple bites can result in severe envenomation. Copperhead venom contains hemotoxins that destroy red blood cells and tissue. The more venom injected, the greater the damage.
Without prompt medical care, bites from multiple snakes can have catastrophic health consequences.
Difficulty Treating Multiple Bites
Treating one copperhead bite involves keeping the wound below heart level, washing the area, removing jewelry, and seeking medical assistance. Dealing with multiple bites makes first aid much more complicated, especially if the bites are on different limbs.
Moreover, the greater the venom dose, the higher the antivenom requirement for treatment. Having multiple injection sites also raises the risk of antivenom allergic reaction.
Increased Stress Levels
Running into a group of venomous snakes is an extremely stressful and frightening situation. Panic and adrenaline surges from multiple bites can cause nausea, dizziness, and shakes. Moreover, stress slows wound healing and decreases immune response.
Remaining calm is essential but easier said than done when facing down multiple copperheads!
In short, stumbling onto more than one copperhead poses much higher risks than a single snake encounter. The dangers include greater likelihood of bites, more injected venom, more difficult first aid, and greater stress levels.
So be extra alert when in copperhead territory to avoid this hazardous scenario!
What To Do If You Encounter Multiple Copperheads
Coming across one copperhead snake can be alarming enough, but encountering multiple copperheads at once requires extra caution. Here is some advice on what to do if you spot more than one of these venomous pit vipers:
Stay Calm and Avoid Sudden Movements
It’s natural to feel frightened when you see multiple potentially dangerous snakes, but it’s important to remain calm. Making any sudden movements can startle the snakes and provoke them to strike in defense. Take slow, gentle breaths and try to relax your body.
Back Away Slowly
Once you’ve spotted the copperheads, resist the urge to bolt away quickly. Instead, calmly and steadily back away from the snakes. Move slowly and gently, taking care not to make noise or vibrations that could agitate them. Increase the distance between yourself and the snakes gradually.
Get to Safety
Keep backing away until you’ve put a safe amount of space between you and the copperheads, at least 6 feet or more. Seek shelter in a building, car, or area that provides a sturdy barrier between you and the snakes. Call for help if needed. Do not try to interact with or handle the snakes in any way.
Notify Others in the Area
Once you are safely away from the snakes, warn others nearby about the presence of multiple copperheads so they can also avoid the area. Alert park rangers, authorities, or neighbors as appropriate. This can help prevent someone else from being bitten.
Give the Snakes Space
Copperheads mostly bite when threatened or provoked. Allow the snakes to move through the area without interference. Do not try to kill or capture them. Keep pets on leashes and supervise children closely so no one disturbs the snakes.
Wait for the Snakes to Disperse
Copperheads don’t usually congregate in large groups for long periods. After some time, they are likely to go their separate ways. Wait awhile before cautiously returning to the area to make sure the snakes have dispersed before resuming normal activities.
Be Extra Vigilant in Snake Habitats
Use extra care in areas where you may encounter multiple copperheads, like rocky outcroppings, forested habitats, and log or brush piles. Wear protective clothing like high boots and long pants. Avoid reaching into hidden spots without looking first. Stay alert and watch where you step.
Encountering multiple copperhead snakes can be startling, but remaining calm, keeping your distance, and giving them space to disperse can help prevent any unfortunate incidents. Being prepared and taking precautions in snake-prone areas are also wise when enjoying the outdoors.
When Are Copperheads Most Active?
Copperheads, like most snakes, tend to be more active when temperatures are warmer. This means they are often spotted more frequently in the spring and summer months, when daytime temperatures range from 70-90°F (21-32°C).
Here’s an overview of when copperheads are generally most active throughout the year:
Spring
Copperheads become active again in spring as temperatures start to rise. This is when males begin searching for females for breeding. Copperheads can often be spotted basking in sunny spots or moving around more during the day in spring months like March, April, and May.
Summer
Summer is peak activity season for copperheads. The warm summer months of June, July, and August are when they are spotted most frequently. Copperheads are primarily nocturnal in the heat of summer and do much of their hunting at night when temperatures cool off a bit.
Fall
Copperhead activity begins slowing down in fall as temperatures start dropping, but they can still be spotted on warm days in September, October, and November. They will often be found basking in sunny spots in the afternoon to get in some warmth before brumating for the winter.
Winter
In winter, copperheads brumate, which is similar to hibernation. They retreat to sheltered spots like rock crevices, burrows, or root systems and become mostly inactive. Their metabolism slows down and they survive off their fat stores.
They may emerge briefly on warmer winter days but are not highly active from December to February.
Conclusion
While copperheads generally lead solitary lives, it’s not uncommon to find more than one in a favorable habitat. If you stumble upon multiple copperheads, remain calm and retreat slowly. Their first instinct is to escape, not attack.
With proper precautions, copperheads can be safely avoided even in areas they frequent.
