Is that a Copperhead?...

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, landscape, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is His work." Psalms 111:2

Thursday, 7:25 PM - My daughter and I met about a dozen others from our church to walk through the planned “Haunted Trail” we will be having on the church land on Athena Drive.  The land is a large wooded lot that has gotten somewhat overgrown. We walked up the trail about 60 yards from the road and were standing next to a large pile of rocks and broken cement pieces while our pastor talked about the scenes from previous years’ productions. As the group turned and proceeded up the trail, I saw a movement on top of the stone pile. I couldn’t believe my eyes… a large Copperhead; beautiful burgundy and copper coloring… probably every bit of three feet long. I probably should have kept my mouth shut so as not to freak everybody out, but in my excitement shouted, “Hey, did you see the snake!!!” There were mixed emotions of fear and fascination among the group. But I was most surprised that nobody really knew what kind of snake this was. 

'Pencil Sketch' rendering in Photoshop of a captive Copperhead I had years ago.

​I take it for granted that people don't know as much about reptiles as I do. But, if for nothing more than their own safety, everyone should at least know how to recognize the venomous snakes in Georgia (Copperhead, 3 Rattlesnakes, Cottonmouth, and Coral Snake) .

The Copperhead is easy to recognize. The color and pattern of babies to adults is nearly always the same and unchanging. Of course, the copper-colored head and body is a given. But the most identifiable feature is the burgundy or rust colored hourglass-shaped saddles along the entire body. And for those willing to take a closer look, the vertically elliptical pupil and heat-sensing pit between the eye and nostril are dead giveaways that this is a venomous snake.   

I got a stick and nudged him to urge him to crawl into the crevices underneath the stone pile before someone had the bright idea to stone him to death.  Of course, I didn’t have my camera. Leaving my camera behind always ensures I'll see something incredible. 

Athens, Georgia