Here’s Where Copperhead Snakes Go When It Gets Cold In North Carolina

Oh my goodness I was just wondering what the answer is to this question. Where do copperhead snakes go when it gets cold in North Carolina? We literally live in the middle of the woods and often take our dogs for walks off leash. Should we worry about copperhead bites less in cold weather? Well, yes and no.

No matter the time of year. These are the best practices to keep yourself safe from copperhead snakes in North Carolina. This is directly from our source, the charlotteobserver.com, "Keep a sharp eye open for snakes while outside. Watch where you step (especially when wearing sandals or flip-flops). Wear gloves when reaching into weeds, bushes or pine straw. Keep a much closer watch on nosy dogs who might poke their snouts into spots where copperheads like to rest. If you see one, leave it alone."

The North Carolina Wildlife Commission answers my question about do copperhead snakes hibernate? Snakes do not hibernate! But what they do is brumate. Brumation is similar to hibernation but the creature does not fall into a deep deep sleep. And may still be active.

Wildlife experts give these guidelines in the Charlotte Observer story, “That’s why whenever the temperature is over 60˚F, snakes can be active, even if it’s in the dead of winter. It’s also why between about 50˚ and 60˚F, snakes can be active but are usually sluggish,” So, right now with temperatures in the 20s, those snakes are going to be moving pretty slowly if at all. Still be vigilant. Just leave him alone and go about your business.

Snakes like to brumate as individuals and like to do it in holes. You might find them in stump holes or rodent burrows. For more information about copperhead snakes and their winter time habits, get details from our excellent source right here.

I don't like snakes but we have a lot of them in North Carolina. I hike a lot and I love being in the great outdoors. However, snakes give me so much anxiety. I absolutely despise them. The most unpleasant part of hiking in 2020 was probably the snakes. My thought was that since we were all stuck in quarantine the snakes would breed in peace and now there are more of them than ever.

There are more than 3,000 species of snake on the planet, with 600 of these being venomous. Living in North Carolina, we must know all there is to know about snakes. It is especially relevant if you plan on camping, hiking, or even heading to a local park. The reason being is that North Carolina is home to six venomous snakes. These snakes are featured on our snake list below.

Every year I see probably about ten of these lovely creatures. They make me jump out of my skin. This venomous snake is also called Water Moccasin. This is the most common venomous snake out of the six. It is found literally everywhere throughout North Carolina. The bites for these bad boys are he bites are pretty painful, but deaths from copperhead bites are extremely rare. You can see more on this snake here.

This is a worthwhile one if you like snakes. The average length of a reticulated python is 20 feet. That's the length of two basketball hoops! These snakes are found in southeast Asia. The habitat preferences of these animals appear to depend on their location, but they enjoy rainforests, woodlands, and grasslands. You can see more on this snake here.

Though I love the colors, I wouldn't get close to them! The Eastern Coral Snake is often referred to as the candy stick snake. It is normally the most misidentified snake found in North Carolina. In the southern Coastal Plain from North Carolina to Louisiana, including Florida, the eastern coral snake is scattered. Throughout their range, they can be found grazing in areas of scrub oak sandhills and pine Flatwoods that flood seasonally. You can’t legally kill the Eastern Coral Snake due to their endangered status. You can see more on this snake here.

Just seeing photos of this snake gives me nightmares. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest and perhaps the most dangerous species of rattlesnake in the world. The backs of these heavy-bodied pitvipers are covered with black diamond patterns outlined in dark diamonds. In North Carolina, diamondbacks are usually found in sandy pine Flatwoods in the southeastern Coastal Plain. You can’t legally kill the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake due to their endangered status. You can see more on this snake here.

Wow! The heaviest snake in the world is the green anaconda. They can reach up to 220 pounds and 16 feet in length. A native of South America, the green anaconda inhabits swamps, marshes, and streams. These snakes are nonvenomous. You can see more on this snake here.

Do you often see these? I sure do. Most North Carolinians know at least the name of the copperhead. Copperheads are typically between two and three feet long, with a fairly heavy body. North Carolina is home to the most common and widespread venomous snake, the copperhead. You can see more on this snake here.

They're kind of cute, aren't they? Pigmy Rattlesnakes are also venomous snakes in North Carolina. In the United States, pigmy rattlesnakes are the smallest species of rattlesnake. Snakes that live in this region usually have dull gray bodies with a row of dark spots running down the center of their backs. In North Carolina, pigmy rattlers are found in pine Flatwoods and scrub oak habitats in the southeastern Coastal Plain and the Sandhills. They have been found at Crowder’s Mountain State Park in Gaston County. You can see more on this snake here.

Rattlesnakes of this species are large and heavy-bodied, with dark bands or chevrons protruding from their bodies. They are most commonly found in mountains and coastal plains. One of the most impressive things about this snake is the fact that it can strike up to 1/3 to 1/2 of its body length. I am not a fan of this snake. You can see more on this snake here.

If you are bitten by a snake, follow these directions given by the Carolinas Poison Center:

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