Fluffy snow fell in parts of metro Charlotte on Thursday, adding to the walloping wintry conditions brought about by the historic winter storm. All 100 North Carolina counties Last week.
Temperatures have been slow to rebound across the state, making it essential to keep a winter coat and gloves nearby. But have you ever wondered where snakes go when it’s cold?
We were particularly curious Copperhead snakesAccording to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the Tar Heel is the “most common and widespread” venomous snake in the state.
The Charlotte Observer asked local wildlife experts to find out:
Do copperheads hibernate?
Copperhead snakes and other reptiles BrummettThe Charlotte Observer first reported.
Like hibernation, this dormant period is characterized by lethargy and reduced appetite during the colder months, according to Nationwide Pet Insurance. Their respiration rate also slows down, as does digestion.
Like most North American viperids, copperheads prefer to avoid people and, when given the opportunity, will leave human areas without incident, according to the National Park Service.
“Snakes and reptiles are very dependent on temperature … so the colder it gets, the slower it is,” Falyn Owens, an extension biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, previously told the Observer.
Brumation usually occurs in between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
“If the temperature drops below a certain threshold, they basically really slow down,” Owens said. “And if it’s really cold, they close almost completely.”
Brumation is not as deep a state as hibernation, however, and Snakes may come out when the temperature rises.
Where do copperheads go when it’s cold?
In very cold temperatures, snakes often Shelter in an insulated environment To protect yourself from the elements.
“Species like the copperhead can find tree stump holes where the tree has rotted,” Owens previously told the Observer. “They can crawl into it to get away from wind and snow and really extreme temperatures.”
Other common hiding places include:
-
Under leaf litter or logs
Owens noted that snakes generally do not dig their own burrows and instead occupy spaces dug by other critters.
What do copperheads look like?
According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Institute of Conservation Biology, the copper mouth is Big, thick body And known for their differences Copper colored scales.
When their heads are unmarked, the snakes’ bodies have hourglass-like gray crossbands. Wider parts of the shape can be seen on both sides while more narrow parts cross the copper’s back and tailbone, experts say. The pattern is often similar to Hershey’s Kiss, the Observer previously reported.
According to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, copperhead snakes are the “most common and widespread” venomous snake in North Carolina.
According to the Smithsonian, small copperheads can be brown with a yellow-tipped tail, though this usually fades over time.
What to do if you are bitten by a copperhead (or other venomous snake)?
While rare, copperheads may bite if they are misplaced or feel threatened. If you are bitten, remember:
-
Sit down and keep calm.
-
Wash the wound with warm, soapy water.
-
Remove any jewelry or tight-fitting clothing.
-
Keep the affected area immobilized and, if possible, elevate it to the level of the heart.
Portions of this story were previously published in the Charlotte Observer.
Energy bills will be high for many NC residents this month. Here is the reason
Do you have to wear a helmet sledding? UNC docs advisory after snow injury over weekend
