VA Copperhead Article

Great article. I would think with the weather this year, they wouldn't be out as much, although it could drive them to sunbathe more?

Curious, they said a milksnake can be confused for a copperhead. Is this true? I know anything can be mistaken for something else, but when I think of a milksnake, I don't think they look anything like a copperhead. Is there a type that does look similar?

They are definitely the most beautiful native snake IMO.

Nick, I think you're probably correct. With the cooler than normal temperatures the snakes are probably basking more frequently and for longer periods of time.

It's surprising the species that get misidentified as copperheads. We've had boas, ring-necked snakes, toy snakes, lizards and tree roots reported as "copperheads". This is a page the VHS created to help point-out the differences:

http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/venomous-look-a-likes/copperhead-look-a-likes/copperhead.htm

and you can test your skills here:

http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/venomous-look-a-likes/copperhead-look-a-likes/copperheadtest/copperhead-test.htm