back cover

May 2003 - Vol. 64, No. 5

Back cover image

Baby Copperhead

Copperheads are born alive and with fully functional fangs capable of injecting venom. A young copperhead uses its bright yellow tail as a lure to attract small frogs, lizards, cicadas and other prey. A copperhead keeps its yellow tail for one or two years. A good way to identify a copperhead is by the banding on its back. It is the only snake whose banding is shaped like a bow-tie. Although copperheads are found throughout the state, except in the extreme northern portion, there are no recorded deaths attributed to copperhead bites in Missouri.--Cliff White