Copperhead

Most common venomous snake bite in eastern US. Usually not life-threatening.

Also Known AsHighland Moccasin

FamilyViperidae

GenusAgkistrodon

RegionNorth AmericaEastern United States

Misidentification risk

CopperheadCottonmouth Northern Water Snake

Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren · Source: Wikimedia Commons · License: CC BY 2.0

Copperhead

Click to shuffle (1/3)

Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren · Source: Wikimedia Commons · License: CC BY 2.0

Copperhead

Click to shuffle (1/3)

Danger Score

Final Danger Score

Venom Core

Lethality weighted 55% (potency × yield). Clinical weighted 45% (real-world CFR).

0.55 × 16 + 0.45 × 1013.3

Modifiers

Multiplicative scalers - amplify or reduce existing danger, can't create it from nothing.

× Speed (0.94)12.5

× Delivery (1.00)12.5

× Encounter (0.96)12.0

Speed = antivenom window. Delivery = fang efficiency. Encounter = exposure × temperament.

Score12

Venom Profile

Type

HemotoxicTargets blood and circulatory system; disrupts clotting and can cause bleeding disorders.,CytotoxicDestroys cells and damages tissue; can cause permanent tissue damage and disfigurement.

Venom Yield

Moderate

Venom Speed

Slow

Delivery Method

Hinged front fangs

Potency (SC Equivalent)

32.700mg/kg LD50

Max Dry Yield

85mg dry

Clinical Severity

Fatality (Untreated)

0-0.5%

WHO Importance

Local Effects

Pain at bite site, Swelling, Tissue damage

Gastrointestinal

Nausea or vomiting