What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Agkistrodon Contortrix Snake Bite
• Copper Snake Bite
• Dumb Rattlesnake Bite

What is Copperhead Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The copperhead snake, or simply copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), is a venomous snake found widespread in the United States of America, from south of Nebraska up to Mexico border and east of Iowa up to Massachusetts. These snakes belong to the sub-species of pit vipers, family Viperidae. Pit vipers are termed so, due to the presence of certain heat-sensing organs located in a recess/notch between their eyes and nostrils
• The copperhead is named so due to its remarkable reddish-to-copper colored head, in sharp contrast to its body. There are several species of copperhead snakes that vary from one region to the other. These snakes are commonly referred to as highland or upland moccasins. These are most common in woody forest regions near rocky canyons, springs, and streams. They may be also seen near irrigated crops and flooded coastal plains
• Adult copperheads are usually between 1.5 to 3 feet long but can grow to be about 4.5 feet. Depending on the species type, the snakes are usually pale brown, tan, or reddish-brown, with alternating broad bands that are light (gray-yellow) and dark (brown). The tail of young copperheads is usually bright yellow with a green tip
• Copperheads are mainly nocturnal hunters with a tendency to follow prey, such as small mammals, birds, lizards, frogs, and insects (cicadas and large caterpillars), close to human habitats. They may even climb bushes to catch prey. During the day, the snake is known to bask in sunny spots. Copperheads are land-dwelling (terrestrial) reptiles but are known to readily enter water if needed (they are good swimmers)
• Copperhead Snake Bite fatalities from systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite) in the absence of treatment is extremely uncommon. The hemotoxic-myotoxic venom is relatively mild and only causes moderate envenomation typically when injected in large quantities (which is rare); systemic effects from the snake bite are occasionally noted
• The signs and symptoms of Copperhead Snake Bite may include pain that may be severe in some cases, and mild swelling at the bite site. Systemic symptoms including rapid breathing, vision defects, low blood pressure, paralysis, and organ failure are generally absent and not reported; mildly impaired blood coagulation and red blood cell breakdown may be noted
• Antivenom (or antivenin) is administered only when severe local or systemic symptoms are noted. Symptomatic treatment is usually considered following speedy assessment, and may include pain medication and respiratory support, as needed. The prognosis of Copperhead Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is normally excellent; individuals succumbing to bites from copperheads are highly unlikely, even in the absence of treatment