If copperheads are a fear factor for you, there is hope and help. Their bites are also rarely fatal when inflicted on humans. It is located about midway between and slightly below the eye and nostril (Figure 6). Distribution Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, South. Ironically, two of the copperhead look-a-like snakes on this list are among those predators: kingsnakes and especially the black racer snake. Cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus. Copperhead Snake Biology In fact, there are some pretty gnarly videos on YouTube of black racer snakes fighting and killing copperheads. The pit looks somewhat like a nostril and helps the snake locate warm-bodied food. Photographer. Photo by Wolfgang Wuster. Harmless snakes do not have pits. Notes. These snakes can be found all over the state, but some are more common in certain areas. Go back to the main Snake Removal page for more information about what does a copperhead snake look like. Unlike many species that are unable to cope with human altered habitats, copperheads often thrive in disturbed areas. Scientific Name Agkistrodon contortrix. Figure 6 Like all snakes, these snakes are shy and prefer to be left alone; but if they feel threatened will become aggressive in their attempt to defend themselves. Missouri Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix. Copperhead Snake Habitat The copperheads are very common in North America and they are also very likely to bite even though their venom is quite mild. Venom Extremely Venomous. Missouri is home to five species of venomous snakes. Populations of copperhead snakes exist across Missouri. Missouri’s copperheads are pinkish tan with dark-brown markings along their backs that are shaped like an hourglass or bow tie. Common … Copperhead venom is considered mild compared to that of other venomous snakes, but medical treatment should still be sought if a person is bitten. Venomous snakes in Missouri also have a conspicuous sensory area or pit, hence the name "pit viper," on each side of the head. Copperheads are one of the most commonly encountered venomous snakes in the southeastern United States. The Timber Rattlesnake pictured is Missouri’s most common venomous snake with a statewide distribution. Common Name Copperhead. Since they don’t look like other Missouri snakes, they are easy to identify and avoid. Number of Offspring 7. Reproduction Live. Populations of Cottonmouth Snakes are limited to water areas of the Southern Ozarks and wetlands of Southeast Missouri. Family Pit Vipers. Average Length 135cm. If you see a venomous snake, leave it… Missouri has two subspecies of eastern copperhead: The Osage copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix phaeogaster ), found in the northern two-thirds of the state, and the southern copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix ) in the southern … They are known for attacking copperheads, killing them, and often times eating them.