What animal kills copperheads?

Predators. Owls and hawks are the copperhead's main predators. Opossums, raccoons and other snakes may also prey on copperheads.

chesapeakebay.net - Copperhead - Chesapeake Bay Program

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Appearance

The copperhead has a broad, unmarked, copper-colored head and a reddish-tan colored body. It has hourglass-shaped darker marks on its back. Its underside is a pinkish color. Adult copperheads can reach about three feet in length. The copperhead is a “pit-viper,” which refers to the heat-sensing pit located on its head between its eye and nostrils.

Feeding

Copperheads are carnivorous, eating mainly mice but also feeding on birds, snakes, amphibians and insects. They are known as ambush predators. Copperheads will hide and wait in one spot for suitable prey to approach before attacking. The heat-sensing pit on their face helps in finding prey. Copperheads will inject venom to capture their prey, making it easier to swallow whole.

Predators

Owls and hawks are the copperhead’s main predators. Opossums, raccoons and other snakes may also prey on copperheads.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Mating occurs in late spring to early summer, and can also occur in the fall. Copperheads are ovoviviparous, making fertilized eggs develop inside the female, nourished by a yolk, and young are born alive. Gestation lasts between three and nine months, depending on whether the snake undergoes hibernation before giving birth. Between two and ten young are in a single brood, depending on the female’s size. Young reach sexual maturity after four years. Copperheads hibernate during the winter in dens with other snakes, some of different species. They live up to 18 years, on average.

Did You Know?

Young copperheads have yellow-tipped tails, which they use to attract small prey.

Copperheads bite more people each year than any other snake species in the United States. Even though copperheads are venomous, they are normally calm snakes that only bite if stepped on or otherwise threatened. If you see a copperhead, leave it alone! Allow it to continue on its way, undisturbed. Unlike many other viper species, copperheads do not try to make a quick getaway when they sense danger. Instead, they stop moving and wait for the danger to pass. Their brown, tan and rust coloring can make these motionless copperheads difficult to spot when lying on leaves or soil. Always look before you step when hiking in areas where copperheads are common.

Sources and Additional Information

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What happens if you burn unseasoned firewood?

Damp wood burns at a cooler temperature, resulting in incomplete combustion, more smoke, and dangerous creosote build-up in the chimney (a fire hazard). Excess wood smoke can decrease air quality both inside and outside the home, contributing to breathing issues. In short, avoid burning unseasoned wood!

extension.unh.edu - How can I tell if my firewood is seasoned and okay to burn?

Wood burned inside the home should always be dry and seasoned for at least 6-12 months. Wood burns most efficiently when the moisture content is at 20% or less. Damp wood burns at a cooler temperature, resulting in incomplete combustion, more smoke, and dangerous creosote build-up in the chimney (a fire hazard). Excess wood smoke can decrease air quality both inside and outside the home, contributing to breathing issues. In short, avoid burning unseasoned wood! It can be difficult to tell if firewood has been seasoned by sight alone. Deep radial cracks at the ends of split logs are one indicator of dryness. Seasoned firewood will also be lighter weight than green wood, although judging this can be subjective. You can also try banging two pieces of wood together, paying attention to resonance. Dry wood will “ring” on impact, while wet wood will only thud. Perhaps the best and most reliable way to test firewood is with a wood moisture meter. Wood moisture meters can be found at most hardware stores or online. To test your firewood, split a log and stick the meter’s prongs into the wood on the freshly split side. For accuracy, test several pieces of firewood from different places in the woodpile. If the moisture content is below 20% it will burn cleanly and efficiently. In the future, eliminate all guesswork by seasoning your firewood yourself, by stacking it in a dry, well ventilated place. This was your Question of the Week. Got questions? The Ask UNH Extension Infoline offers practical help finding answers for your home, yard, and garden questions. Call toll free at 1-877-398-4769, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or e-mail us at answers@unh.edu.

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