Copperheads in NC can vary in color. See what they can look like
Not all copperheads you might come across in North Carolina have the same coloring.
They’re all brownish, but their bodies are varying shades of brown.
In most cases, the reason for this is individual variation, Falyn Owens, a wildlife biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, told The News & Observer.
Just as genetics play a role in determining people’s skin color, genetics affect snakes’ appearance, Owens said.
A copperhead’s coloring wouldn’t change throughout its lifetime, other than darkening slightly as it ages. Newborn copperheads also have a bright yellow or greenish-tipped tail, coloring that disappears as the snake matures.
Copperheads are the only venomous snakes likely to be seen around the Triangle and central North Carolina. And in the western part of the state, copperheads might be slightly darker, but the variation is minor.
Do any copperheads look starkly different?
There are some copperheads that have very different shades of brown, ranging from a sandy color to nearly black. But these are “oddball rarities,” Owens said, and wouldn’t likely be seen in North Carolina.
“It would be a really remarkable sighting,” Owens said.
Mutations in copperheads’ genes cause these different appearances, Owens said, and these snakes with vastly different looks are more likely to be seen if someone is breeding captive snakes for these mutations.
How can you tell if a snake is a copperhead?
Because not all copperheads look exactly the same, it’s important not only to know what colors copperheads are, but also to know their pattern.
There are many kinds of snakes in North Carolina, though only a handful are venomous. To identify a copperhead, look for a darker Hershey’s Kiss or hourglass-shaped pattern on a lighter background.
Remember that while copperhead snake bites are rarely fatal to humans, if you come across one, it’s a good idea to keep a safe distance.
This story was originally published May 2, 2025 at 3:38 PM with the headline "Copperheads in NC can vary in color. See what they can look like."
