First on our list is the copperhead snake, which is mostly prevalent in these states: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Copperhead snakes tend to blend in with their surroundings and though their venom is not very toxic, young children or the elderly who come across this snake and get bit could still suffer the consequences. When hiking or enjoying the great outdoors step lightly and before you venture further to find out if snakes are common in the area.

1) Copperhead 

COPPERHEAD (Agkistrodon contortrix). Length usually 2-3 feet. Common where it occurs, the copperhead is probably the most abundant poisonous snake in eastern Kansas. It is most frequently found in the vicinity of rocky ledges in oak-hickory-walnut woods, but it ranges widely, so that individuals may be found in almost any habitat during summer months. Although generally nocturnal during most of its active season, its habit of lying in the open during the daytime among dried leaves in patches of sunlight and shadow causes the pattern to blend perfectly with the background. Any hiker through this habitat should be alert. Because of the rather small size, usually inoffensive disposition, and the low toxicity of its venom this snake should be placed on the nonfatal list for adults. Elderly persons, those in poor health, or small children could find the copperhead bite fatal, however.

One the next page learn how to identify a vicious snake that if you should encounter, you're pretty much dead unless you get help immediately. 

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