Medically significant · Hemotoxic

Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

The most frequently kept North American pit viper: calm, hardy and responsible for more US snakebites than any other species. Antivenom exists and is widely stocked, which is exactly why it is the standard first hot for a supervised apprentice.

Experience level: Advanced venomous
Native range: Eastern and central USA
Adult size: 24–36 in (60–90 cm)
Lifespan: 18–25 years

Care sheet

Adult enclosure	36 x 18 x 16 in, locking front doors, shift box fitted
Basking surface	85–88°F (29–31°C)
Cool side	72–75°F (22–24°C)
Seasonal cool	Winter rest at 55–60°F (13–16°C)
Humidity	45–60%
Substrate	2–3 in cypress mulch, replaced whole rather than spot-cleaned
Water	Heavy low bowl reachable with tongs from outside the enclosure
UVB	Beneficial, low output, 4–6%

Design the enclosure for remote servicing: a shift box, a tong-reachable bowl and no decor that requires reaching over the animal.
Ambush predators, so they use very little floor space but need a secure hide at both temperature ends.
Every enclosure gets a hazard label with species, hazard class and the nearest antivenom-stocking hospital.

Safety & bite protocol

Two-keeper rule for any open-enclosure work; a second person who knows the bite protocol is the entire safety system.
Shift the animal into a locked box before cleaning. Hooks are for moving a snake, not for holding one still.
Post a written bite protocol: call emergency services, do not cut or suction, remove rings, mark swelling margins with times, transport to the hospital confirmed to stock CroFab.
Confirm antivenom stock annually with your nearest hospital and record that call date — permit renewals often ask for it.
Keep permits, insurance and vet records in the venomous portal so a lapse is visible before an inspector finds it.

Husbandry information only — not medical or legal advice. Permit rules, caging standards and antivenom availability differ by state, county and city.

Feeding

Adults: one appropriately sized mouse or small rat every 10–14 days.
Frozen-thawed offered on 24 in tongs through a cracked door, never with the enclosure fully open.
Juveniles take pinkies every 7 days and often need scenting or a caudal-lure presentation.
Log refusals carefully — a copperhead that skips twice in the active season usually has a temperature or hydration problem.

Breeding tips

Season: Brumate November–February, pair March–May
Gestation / incubation: Live-bearing, 3–4 month gestation
Clutch / litter: 4–10 neonates

Only breed with permits, a documented antivenom plan and space to house the whole litter separately.
Brumate at 55–60°F (13–16°C) for 10–12 weeks; a genuine winter rest is required for reliable fertility.
Introduce the male into the female's enclosure only, and only with two keepers present.
Gravid females bask heavily and refuse food in the last month — provide an even gradient and do not disturb.
Neonates are fully venomous at birth. Have individually locked, labelled neonate tubs ready before the birth window.

Neonates

Yellow-tailed neonates caudal-lure; a pinky wiggled near the tail tip starts most of them after their first shed.
House one per locked tub, 82°F warm end, and log every unlock and lock.
Never rehome a neonate to a keeper without permits and demonstrated hot experience — record who received each animal.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to keep a copperhead?

Almost everywhere, yes — and many jurisdictions also require caging inspections, an apprenticeship record or liability insurance. Check state and municipal rules, because cities often ban what a state permits.

How dangerous is a copperhead bite?

Rarely fatal but seriously destructive: severe pain, swelling and tissue damage that regularly requires antivenom and hospital admission. Treat every bite as an emergency transport, never a wait-and-see.

Keep the paperwork with the animal

Permits, liability insurance, vet records and apprenticeship hours all live in the venomous portal, with expiry alerts before anything lapses.

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