Why copperhead snakes like coming onto our front porches — and how to keep them away
Copperheads are our area’s most common venomous snake.
They can be found in any environment within the Triangle — you can find them in wooded areas while hiking, splayed out on the sidewalk in cities and curled up in your backyard.
They frequently spend time on front porches too.
The News & Observer talked to Falyn Owens, wildlife biologist for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, to learn why copperheads sometimes slither onto our porches and other areas so close to our homes.
Why do copperheads come on front porches?
Copperheads are most likely to come on or near front porches or steps because of nearby vegetation, or because spaces under the front porch provide such great shelter for them and their rodent prey, Owens said.
They also like following summertime cicadas.
“Interestingly, when cicadas emerge from the ground during early summer and climb objects to molt into adults, they can be a short-lived, but highly attractive food source for copperheads,” Owens said.
“In areas where you see a lot of freshly-molted cicada casings, it’s usually a good idea to be on the alert for a copperhead that might be taking advantage of the temporary feast.”
What to do if there’s a copperhead snake on your porch
▪ Let it pass by: It’s always best to give space and time to any wildlife species you come across, the Wildlife Resource Commission advises.
This advice is should especially be followed when it comes to venomous snakes.
▪ Give it lots of space: If a copperhead is cornered with no way to escape, it may strike to communicate you are too close.
A copperhead is much more likely to move away or to freeze than approach humans, Owens said.
“Close encounters between people and copperheads almost always involve the person approaching the copperhead, not the other way around,” Owens said.
Since they rely on camouflage to hunt their rodent prey, a natural defense is to freeze and try not to be seen if they sense danger. If there’s cover nearby, the snake may try to escape to avoid harm.
“The best way to avoid any snake bite is to give snakes plenty of space to prevent them from having to protect themselves,” Owens said.
▪ Wait it out, if you can: Given some time, the snake will likely move along, as it’s likely only passing through to perform some aspect of its snake life, like eating, hiding or breeding.
Wildlife Control Agents can be called to the scene to remove snakes, but most of the time, snakes are no longer there by the time these agents arrive. (Plus, the agents charge a fee for their service.) Knowing snakes won’t stay on your front porch for too long, let it pass by before heading out out your door.
▪ Gently move it along: You can use a long-handled broom or spritz it with a garden hose to move the snake along quicker.
Make sure you don’t corner the snake in this process, WRC advises, and allow the snake plenty of room to retreat in a direction away from you.
Can dogs or pets go outside when a copperhead is on my porch?
They shouldn’t. Keep pets inside, as pets are more likely to harass a snake to the point where it will strike.
Most snakes do not want to bother with interacting with pets, WRC says. Snakes are likely to continue on their way, unless they’re harassed.
How can I keep copperheads off my front porch?
Make your area less attractive to copperheads. Owens recommends the following measures:
- Close off spaces under porches and buildings.
- Reduce ground-level vegetation.
This will make the space around your home less attractive both to the snakes and to their rodent prey.
“It’s important to understand that copperheads aren’t attracted to people or porches, but they may be attracted to nearby cover or food,” Owens said.
When and where will I see copperheads?
“It’s safe to assume there are copperheads living near you no matter where you are in North Carolina, including cities and suburbs,” Owens said.
Copperheads can be active any time temperatures are above about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so they’re active all summer.
In these warmer months, these snakes are spotted all over the state.
What to do if you’ve been bitten by a snake, including a copperhead
IF YOU HAVE BEEN BITTEN BY A SNAKE, YOU SHOULD:
Sit down and stay calm.
Gently wash the bite area with warm, soapy water.
Remove any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite site.
Keep the bitten area still, if possible, and raise it to heart level.
Call the NC Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
Note: If a snakebite victim is having chest pain, difficulty breathing, face swelling or has lost consciousness, call 911 immediately.
IF BITTEN BY A SNAKE, YOU SHOULD NOT:
Cut the bitten area to try to drain the venom. This can worsen the injury.
Ice the area. Icing causes additional tissue damage.
Apply a tourniquet or any tight bandage. It’s actually better for the venom to flow through the body than for it to stay in one area.
Suck on the bite or use a suction device to try to remove the venom.
Attempt to catch or kill the snake.
This story was originally published July 18, 2023 at 2:20 PM with the headline "Why copperhead snakes like coming onto our front porches — and how to keep them away."
