Ever wonder why the copperhead snake in Louisiana seems so mysterious and captivating? These venomous snakes are known for their unique hourglass patterns and tendency to thrive in diverse habitats.
These Louisiana snakes are often found in wooded areas and even backyards. This keeps locals on their toes. Read on and learn about their behavior, habitat, and tips for staying safe around them.
Key Takeaways
- Copperhead snakes in Louisiana often live in wooded areas near water, rocky hillsides, yards, and abandoned buildings.
- These snakes like places with food and shelter, such as gardens, dense plants, and areas with leaves or debris.
- If you encounter a copperhead, stay calm and contact the pest control removal service for safe handling.
- Keeping outdoor spaces free from clutter and dense spots can help prevent future snake visits.
WHERE TO FIND COPPERHEAD SNAKES IN LOUISIANA
Copperhead snakes in Louisiana are commonly found in various habitats. They favor environments like wooded areas, near water, and rocky hillsides. These species of snakes are not shy of suburban settings. They may live in yards, gardens, or old buildings with leaf litter and debris piles.
Wooded Areas and Forests
Wooded areas and forests present an ideal environment for copperhead snakes. These reptiles thrive under the dense canopy. They camouflage amidst fallen leaves and twigs. Eastern copperheads, a common subspecies, are frequently encountered here.
Their earth-toned blotches and crossbands blend with the foliage and forest floor.
Other pit vipers, such as the timber rattlesnake and canebrake rattlesnake, may also live in these wooded areas.
Near Water Sources
Like cottonmouths (water moccasins) and yellow-bellied water snakes, copperheads also live near water sources. Areas such as streams, swamps, and the Mississippi River are typical. The humidity, cicadas, amphibians, and small fish in these environments create a perfect home for them.
Their pale gray coloring helps hide them against the muddy banks and wet vegetation without drawing predators.
Rocky Hillsides
Rocky hillsides offer sunshine and cover, a combination copperheads enjoy. In Louisiana, these areas balance light and shadow, perfect for basking and hunting. Larger copperheads may prefer here due to small snakes like rat snakes, corn snakes, and kingsnakes.
Pygmy rattlesnakes may also share these habitats, adding to the diversity of species found on rocky terrain.
Suburban Yards and Gardens
Copperheads sometimes venture into suburban yards and gardens. The presence of rodents and consistent shelters draw them. Gardens that have rodent or insect infestations draw these snakes. Leafy vegetables and dense shrubbery also mimic their natural habitat.
Garter snakes, which are generally harmless, and other nonvenomous constrictors may also live in these areas. Active during warm months, they might be found basking on stone walls or garden rocks.
Abandoned Buildings and Sheds
Abandoned buildings and sheds attract copperheads seeking shelter and food. These structures mimic natural cover, providing seclusion from human activity. In Louisiana, old barns and deserted sheds are typical haunts. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes and other rattlers might also be spotted in these locations.
Rodents often take refuge in these places, providing copperheads with a steady food source. Harlequin coral snakes and Texas coral snakes could also be found in these hidden environments.
HOW TO HANDLE COPPERHEAD SIGHTINGS IN LOUISIANA
Encountering a copperhead snake can be alarming, but there are key steps to handle the situation safely.
Here’s how to handle the situation responsibly:
- Stay Calm and Maintain Distance: Copperheads generally bite only for self-defense. Stay calm and keep a few feet away to avoid startling the snake, moving slowly to show you’re not a threat. Sudden actions can alarm the snake.
- Contact a Pest Control or Wildlife Removal Service: Do not attempt to handle the snake yourself. Contact local wildlife removal services to manage the situation safely. They can move the snake and check for signs of activity.
- Warn Family Members and Neighbors: Inform family and neighbors to stay away from the area. Alerting the community helps everyone remain vigilant and prevents accidental encounters.
- Keep Pets and Children Away: Ensure pets and children stay indoors or away from the area until the snake is removed. Snake bites can be serious and need medical attention.
- Secure the Area: Clear outdoor clutter where snakes might hide and check dense spots regularly. Keeping the area tidy discourages future visits from copperheads and other wildlife.
For more information, you can consult the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. They offer resources and guidance to help you manage encounters of venomous and nonvenomous snakes.
NEED HELP WITH COPPERHEAD SNAKE PROBLEMS?
Copperhead snakes in Louisiana can sometimes make themselves a bit too comfortable in yards and around homes.
Spotting one might be unnerving, especially if they are frequenting an area. But if copperheads appear to be nesting nearby or if you frequently spot them, consider reaching out to pest control.
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, seeking expert help should be easy. For immediate intervention for a severe infestation, let Lajaunie’s snake specialists tailor a solution that’s right for your home.
For more information about our services, visit our service page.