Yes, the Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) is a native venomous snake species found in New York State. Its presence, however, is not widespread across the state but is restricted to specific geographic areas. The copperhead is one of only two pit vipers, along with the Timber Rattlesnake, that inhabit New York, and it is responsible for the majority of venomous snake bites in the region. Due to its cryptic camouflage and secretive nature, encounters remain relatively rare for most residents.
Confirmed Range within New York
The Northern Copperhead’s distribution in New York is confined almost entirely to the southeastern portion of the state. Its core range centers on the lower Hudson Valley, extending into counties like Westchester, Putnam, Orange, and Rockland. This presence is directly tied to the region’s geology and climate, which provides its preferred habitat.
Copperheads favor rocky, wooded hillsides and deciduous forests, often utilizing south-facing slopes for hibernation dens (hibernacula). The terrain offers ample rock outcroppings and stone walls for cover and basking. Their reliance on these specific microclimates helps them regulate body temperature and explains their limited range.
Copperheads are also found in the southern Catskill Mountains and less commonly in parts of the Capital Region. They frequently inhabit areas near human development, such as abandoned farm buildings, wood piles, and brush piles, which offer shelter and attract prey.
Identifying the Northern Copperhead
The most distinguishing feature of the Northern Copperhead is the dark, reddish-brown pattern that runs the length of its body, often described as an hourglass or “Hershey Kiss” shape. This pattern is notably wider along the sides and constricts narrowly across the center of the back.
The snake’s head is coppery-red or chestnut-brown, giving the species its common name. As a pit viper, its head is broad and triangular due to the venom glands located toward the rear of the jaw. This distinguishes it from non-venomous look-alikes, such as the Northern Water Snake or Eastern Milk Snake, which have more streamlined heads.
Another identifying feature is the presence of vertical, elliptical pupils, characteristic of pit vipers. Juvenile copperheads have all the adult markings but also possess a bright yellow or greenish-yellow tail tip, which they use to lure small prey. Adults typically reach two to three feet in length and have a medium, stocky build.
Encounter Safety and Bite Protocol
Copperhead bites are the most frequent type of venomous snake bite in the United States, though fatalities are rare. The venom is generally considered less potent than that of other pit vipers, but any bite requires immediate medical attention. Risk can be minimized by wearing sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear when hiking or working in wooded areas within their range.
Preventative measures include avoiding placing hands or feet where you cannot see, such as under logs, rocks, or deep leaf piles. If a snake is encountered, slowly back away and give the animal a wide berth. Copperheads are non-aggressive and typically bite only when threatened, often when accidentally stepped on or handled.
If a bite occurs, remain calm and immediately call 911 or emergency services. The affected limb should be kept still and positioned at or below the level of the heart to slow the spread of venom. Any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite site must be removed promptly, as swelling is a common reaction.
Do not attempt to apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or suck out the venom, as these actions can cause more harm than the bite itself. The bite area can be gently washed with soap and water, but the focus must remain on rapid transport to a medical facility. Only trained medical professionals can assess the severity of the envenomation and administer antivenom if necessary.