There are not very many species of venomous snakes in Virginia, but I managed to encounter one of them, an Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), while exploring in Prince William County earlier this week will fellow wildlife enthusiast Walter Sanford. I had just climbed over the trunk of a fallen tree when I looked to the side and spotted the snake about three to four feet away from me (100 to 120 cm).
The first shot is a cropped image that shows the copperhead’s eerie eye with a vertical pupil—I was definitely not as close as it may appear. The second shot shows the view that I had when looking through my 180 mm macro lens. The snake, which is pretty large and well camouflaged, appeared to be fully alert and was facing the tree trunk that I had just crossed.
I have read a lot about copperheads since that encounter. One of the tips for avoiding them included checking the other side of logs before stepping over them—I am pretty sure I will heed that advice from now on.
UPDATE: Check out Walter Sanford’s blog posting that includes his impressions of our encounter with the copperhead and some additional photos.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Amazing photo
You my friend best be careful!!!
I am pretty cautious and wear boots that go well above my ankles. I try to stay alert at all times. At this time of the year, my biggest concern is ticks.
Your photos really capture the snake’s texture. Thanks for sharing that advice regarding walking among logs. I will take heed since I have still not fully adapted to living among venomous beasties and large predators yet.
Encounters like that help keep us on our toes. No daydreaming in the woods.
Wow, that was close. Good eye, Mike!
That’s scarily hard to see among leaf litter and shadows. Profoundly grateful we don’t have such beasties here (and that no harm came to you).
Thanks for your concern, Liz. I didn’t really feel like I was in any danger and I was wearing boots that go up well above the ankles. Still, it is good to be cautious and aware of your surroundings and as my photographs suggest, I pay a lot of attention to my environment.
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