The Australian Copperhead

Despite the fact that bites are incredibly rare, the Australian Copperheads are 50 times more venomous then their American namesakes and are not actually closely related at all!
Australian copperheads are in the elapid family, making them closer to things like cobras, the black mamba, and all the famous Australian venomous snakes like the tiger snake and brown snake. American copperheads on the other hand are members of the viper family, along with rattlesnakes, bushmasters and adders.
Here in Australia we have three species of copperheads, the lowlands copperhead, the alpine copperhead and the Pygmy copperhead, who between them occupy the cooler climates of eastern NSW, coastal Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania
Being cold climate snakes copperheads give birth to live young rather then laying eggs, due to the fact the climate in which they are found often isn’t suitable for incubation of eggs
While being more then 50 times as venomous as the American copperhead, and roughly equivalent in toxicity to the Indian cobra, which kills more then 10,000 people a year, bites from Australian copperheads are incredibly rare, and deaths are almost unheard of. Interestingly, there’s actually no such thing as copperhead antivenin, with copperhead bites in Australia being treated with tiger snake anti venom

[@troyjralph]

I got bitten by a copperhead this year. We were just coming out of winter, it was about 5C, I was walking around on the farm just after dusk without my boots on and I stepped on it. Fortunetly it was just a dry bite. Spent overnight in hospital with multiple blood tests.

[@cutekinoko_]

I’m Aussie so I’ve been watching mostly American snake youtubers. It’s great I’ve found you! Now I can learn about local wildlife

[@WickedWildlife]

I’m glad you found us! Aussies need to learn about our own wildlife I recon!

[@stabsanderson2103]

Yeah same found your red belly video glad your out here doing you're thing

[@justinmyslive4108]

That is the most chill venomous snake I've ever seen. She's like "whatever" and just letting that guy just handling her and not strike at him or anything

[@dontneedtoknow5836]

Captive snake. Probably used to being handled and doesn't consider humans a threat, maybe a little annoying.

[@shuragroy2583]

This channel is something different... Dude u deserve more subscription and views! I Love how your videos r species specific... Totally amazed... Free Handling these species proves how much good and informative you are in herpetology... I love how u touch toxicology related to these species ....

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

Yeah its awesome

[@paulwilson6250]

I was driving along a secluded road in tassie once and jumped and for a pee on the side of the road… scared the daylights out of me when I saw the ground that I was peeing on start moving and one of these girls shot straight between my legs and back across the road behind me! An experience I’ll never forget!

[@jomonabraham82]

It looks like a black mamba. Nice video nick.

[@Lulusnotreadyforthis]

What a beautiful snake. I hope you continue making these types of videos. It's been said by others and it's true, you really deserve far more subscribers.

[@robbiefishing]

Highland copperheads are my favourite snakes. Absolutely beautiful.

[@nighthawk8645]

Great episode. It's a beautiful snake. I always learn something new when you upload a video. Thank you

[@BradGryphonn]

The Copperhead is the first snake I remember learning of. I don't know why though. We were living in the Northern SA desert country. Or maybe it was when we moved to Beachport...Oh, and once again, thanks for producing another 'un-overhyped' video. I avoid channels that try to sensationalise reptiles as being more dangerous than reality proves. Your Funnel Web spider video was a great example of an educational, informative, and entertaining way to learn about the importance of these creatures in our ecosystem.

[@Spacey7]

That's a new one for me. What a beautiful amazing snake. Thank you Nick I love learning about different reptiles, especially the Australian one's. ☺️

[@michaeledwards5954]

Barring a couple of very pretty coastal tigers the copper head is the the most striking (visually speaking) snake I've come across. Very common in my area but generally placid.

[@emmabluecaboose6898]

These beauties are on my small block in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Very shy and polite towards me. Beautiful markings too. I’ve seen one get an electric blue strip down it’s side when excited. They love to get out and about at night.

[@TheWildlifeBrothers]

This is my favorite style of video from you Nick, every time you cover a species in this much detail I always learn a ton! You did a fantastic job covering the Copperhead, and I think another great snake to cover would be a Collett’s Snake, though I’m not sure how many people have them around. Also, I’ve seen some pretty awesome clips in your new intro, when will we see some of those episodes? That stingray is huge! Cheers Nick - Harrison and Evan

[@WickedWildlife]

The Wildlife Brothers you wouldn’t believe it but I juts was given a young pair of collets today!

[@TheWildlifeBrothers]

That’s awesome! They’re the most underrated Australian elapid in my opinion, they’re gorgeous but so rarely seen! I can’t wait to see your little guys.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Love snakes! My Dad as a teen caught rattlesnakes for the scientist developing the anti-venom. He also helped milk them. As a child I was terrified of snakes because my mother feared them. One day my father caught a lovely grass snake and I fell in love. Since them I’ve saved a number of venomous and non venomous snakes from idiots who wanted to kill them by moving them to safer areas. Gently and with the help of a long stick, lol. I rarely had to pick them up. My snake saving days are over as I’m disabled, but I still love them. We back on a river here in Delaware and see them in our yard. A big black snake lives under our shed.

[@WickedWildlife]

Sharon Kaczorowski well thankyou for helping snakes when you could!

[@johnfoster6412]

I nearly trod on one of these as a 6 year old at Steve Irwin's house. He was just "jump over the top step", which I did. This was when his family lived in Clayton.

[@simonpaterson9648]

What a beautiful looking snake.

[@platypups]

Watching those belly scales move back and forth as it slinks forward is super cool

[@maxweidenbach2919]

Had one of these guys at my backdoor today here in Tassie and can vouch they are a super relaxed snake. Quite happy to do their own thing (like most snakes) and even when disturbed just cruise off without any fuss. They certainly don't display like a tiger snake does

[@mykehyslop198]

Steve Urwin would be proud of you.Nice work mate.

[@Gottalovecarpetpythons]

Ahh yes l have had one crawl between my feet with a big frog in its mouth, just went on its merry little way. Man if my pets saw a snake it worries me as they are so very used to hanging out with them.

[@BadBoybBubby]

I removed a beautiful red and black one out of my backyeard yesterday, i have a metre long snake hook and didnt tail it at all he rode the hook like a champ, i just picked him up and walked him about 10 metres near some water and let hime go. Didnt want him too get run over by the lawnmower.

[@melbourneroblox3448]

I absolutely love copperheads

[@Deathmastertx]

She's such a sweetie - so calm.

[@Patprond-mj2es]

Underrated channel here..very informative.

[@jamesboddington1389]

Saw one scuttling thru shaded bush on a 15 degree day which really surprised me so thanks for confirming their cold tolerance. Also had several friends post images of them and when identified as such there's always people insisting it's a Black Snake

[@margareth1504]

Thanks for your video making. Really great to watch

[@pfh478]

This was the first video iv seen subbed straight away. Much respect for saying its captive bred and being honest unlike others. Very informative and done with great energy but not over the top. 2 thumbs up

[@georgepalmer5497]

I knew a man who had been bitten by an American copperhead twice. He said it felt like his leg was stuck in hot coals. He was stove up for six to nine months. It takes people a long time to recover from copperhead bites, but I think much of that depends on how the person's body reacts to the venom. They have a lot of American copperheads where I live. Sometimes we see them squashed in the road by cars in the night. That's why it makes me nervous to walk on some of our roads by night.

[@casualskeleman6377]

Just found your channel- amazing gem and i’m shocked you don’t have more subscribers, only a matter of time that will change!

[@fredhills3153]

You really pressent yourself well, with complete and accurate information about the reptile..

[@WickedWildlife]

Well Thankyou very much mate! Stoked to hear you enjoyed the video 👍

[@fredhills3153]

@@WickedWildlife Enjoy all your videos, especially the tiger snake one. im surprised Dingo hasnt picked up one of those beautiful tiger snakes to his arsonal. Maybe because they are protected ?

[@johnschlesinger2009]

Thanks for another great video. Beautiful snake!

[@fishermansdiary]

This is such a great channel! Love it keep it up.

[@tedsmall3793]

Thank you very much for the education and great videos.

[@belizeguy]

US Copperheads are neat as well. Colorful, and secretive. They do tend to show up around where people are to eat mice or other rodents and occasionally frogs under street lights. Neat Video! Be Well!

[@haydenposnansky3511]

What a beautiful snakes I really like the colours on this copperhead. Another good & informative video👍👍

[@excelephant]

Wow, she's beautiful! Mate, I love your vids and your passion for our wildlife. I just want to say thank you for all that you do, mate. You're a legend. I'd love to see a vid on a Stephen's Banded snake or White Crowned snake or something else we don't get to see very often. Cheers mate :)

[@elykspuz6596]

I live in Pennsylvania and I can assure you that the Northern United States definitely has copperheads as well

[@bradwaters3891]

What a ripper. She is beautiful. Thanks mate for sharing.

[@themattman1173]

This is my favorite snake. In love with them.

[@djsonfire0001]

Great video very interesting!

[@Groosome128]

Almost hit a snake on my bike around Lake Mountain yesterday. It was dark almost matte black, maybe 80cm long with not much in the way of markings. It reared up a few inches then moved off the trail. I thought it was maybe a brown snake but maybe it was one of these. It didn't flare it's neck or go into an S bend or anything. Nice to see and glad I didn't hurt it.

[@tosgem]

Came across one of these riding dirtbikes around Kinglake in Victoria. We pulled over, stopped our engines, and waited for it to get off the track. Didn't seem aggressive or agitated at all

[@allthingswildlifeyt1218]

Great video, just downloaded snakesnap then

[@kelvin869]

I was walking behind one of these on a trail at Mt Hotham last year and it wasn't the least bit concerned with us. We took some pictures as it turned across the path and just casually glided into the long grass. They are a beautiful snake to see up close.

[@marawatson6257]

Your snakes are so well behaved and you look so relaxed around them, so amazing, love your videos.

[@WickedWildlife]

Thanks, I might look relaxed but I’m certainly concentrating on what I’m doing!

[@Wulfzz]

I love your love for them

[@geoffsaunders7458]

True story. Many, many moons ago I was living in Lithgow, NSW. I went along with my parents to a presentation at our church hall put on by a snake handler. Among the many specimens he had was a copperhead. While he was showing it to us it managed to give him a bite. Everyone was quite concerned, but he was strangely casual about it, insisting it was no big deal. He kept talking for a couple of minutes, then stumbled and collapsed...on me. An ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital. Why he was so casual about it has always puzzled me. Maybe he was just embarrassed that as an 'expert' he'd slipped up in front of all these people.

[@greensteve9307]

Great vid! Hello from Perth, WA.

[@petermctackett759]

Great presentation thanks Nick. The more information like this that can be put out there, the better. And of course you're quite right, snakes DON'T want to have anything to do with us, but unfortunately, there are the odd occasions where interaction does take place. When it has for me, I'll simply observe the snake until it has passed through to another area, always keeping at least 2 "snake" lengths away. I have used this method even with an Eastern Brown (Pseudonaja textilis) and even though it was obvious it new I was there, it never once tried to attack. Once it was confident that I wasn't a threat (that took about 30 minutes) it cautiously moved on.

[@loyaltyisroyalty5616]

The American copperheads are exponentially more gorgeous than the Aussie variety.

[@Grasshoppa65]

Thats a beautiful snake.

[@CraigWilsonAust]

I know, commenting on an old video. Just wanted to say, as with most snakes, they don't want to risk themselves by attacking something that isn't going to be a meal. I have had close encounters with the alpine copperheaad numerous times, even had one go straight between my legs while walking in the bush (Kosciuszko NP). The only snake i have ever had rear up & get defensive is the eastern brown during summer. I take it i must have startled it from its slumber in the hollow of a fallen tree. Having said that, if you give them room, they won't attack you like some have made out. Whatever you do, if you see a snake in the wild, don't think it's a great photo opportunity & try to get as close as you can. That will get you bitten. On another note, i believe that the first aid treatment for snake bites has changed slightly. Maybe time for an update on first aid? Love these vids dismissing the myths, the only suggestion, could you actually detail a description of how to identify? I hope things are looking up for you this year mate. All the best.

[@johnseabrook1029]

Having lived in Mildura, Melbourne, Hunter Valley, & now, Mackay, I can safely say that the ‘Copperhead’ isn’t of much importance. The Eastern Brown Snake is far more serious.

[@vforvendetta275]

This must have been the snake i saw at my late Grandfather's property at Mangrove mountain when i was young. Couldn't see the head but It was fairly big but the belly was that bluish tinge.

[@davidgoodwin3783]

I so much agree, a very placid snake only wants to go the other way at its own pace. Not to say that it can't be fast when need be. Do wish we could educate people to just be wary of snakes and to not kill them.

[@robertbishop5357]

You've gotta respect these animals. The only snake that comes close to this in the US is the eastern coral snake. It like a mamba, cobra is an elapid.

[@paulrummery6905]

Real pretty Specimen there mate.

[@ISCDESIGNAustralia]

Awesome video. I just saw a dark copperhead with yellowish belly in Crookwell nsw. He/ she was very passive.

[@ninjaskeleton6140]

I nearly stepped on one once because I was too busy gawking at a big goanna that was walking along the other side of a woodland clearing I was in.

[@user-yc1cc3gm2q]

thx mate

[@ianross7150]

So many people insist on calling them Yellow Belly Black Snakes. All the ones I've seen in the Southern Highlands of NSW have distinctive scale markings on the side of their head.

[@orielle8768]

Almost stood on one of these a couple of days ago whilst walking down a bush track to Three Creek Beach, Apollo Bay. Literally ran back the way I came as soon as I saw it. As you said, very well mannered snake that ran away from me just as I ran from it. My partner and I were still pretty shaken and very glad we weren't bitten considering...it was a long walk back to any roads and only a tiny hospital in Apollo Bay 😁

[@WickedWildlife]

Orielle I spent New Years in Apollo bay, it’s a beautiful area

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

What a well behaved snake. Absoultely beautiful too. Someone like me tho, who doesn't know a lot about this snake, would of never even known this was a venomous snake. How could you tell this is venomous?

[@simon6932]

Came across one of these last weekend jogging in Lorne. It wasn't quite as friendly as that one but didn't take much to get it to slither away.

[@thomasharhen2168]

Awesome

[@mrmagoo4134]

Just subbed. I love snakes. Just curious a fellow at work spotted on with black and white bands around it up here in southern Queensland Just curious of the name, love your work

[@wendyferguson7683]

Hi Nick thanks for your great informative videos. Is it true that down around Portland its mostly Copper heads not Brown snakes as they are more inland? Also do Copper heads have a smaller head than Browns?

[@BlueTJay]

I was hunting Sambar in the Mt. Selwyn area of NE Vic, and I was bitten by this species. But, I wore 2 pairs of levi jeans and very little poison entered my skin, just below the knee. I was lucky, but i knew where I was hunting and the time of the year, so I took protection. If I had gaiters, not available back then, I would have been fine! So if you are hunting or fishing in the mountains during the summer, wear gaiters! Don't gamble! My fault, not snakes, he was cool, i did not see him/her!

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

Live and let live!

[@BW-kv9wj]

She’s beautiful.

[@lachysaquatics8495]

Hey mate love the vids would you plz be able to do some more videos on your turtles

[@WickedWildlife]

Yes I can try and get some turtle videos out Currently we are in our busy season with the mobile zoo but hope to get some more videos together soon

[@peanutsplayhouseventriloqu8741]

Many people are so scared of snakes, it's a shame. Way to make a venomous snake so cool! Great job I love this video!!!

[@ronweewan3687]

very interesting

[@barry7608]

Great vid thanks we live next to wetland in NSW and every year have one or two resident red bellies. Very inoffensive snakes but I did step on one about 40cm long I was walking slowly looking up at my large bamboo and something caught my eye under my left foot. Not a word of a lie the snake raised up in a rapid like squirmy motion and I tried to launch off the wrong foot. All very quick and he took off at 100mph across the lawn. We never take action against them as this is what our 2/3acre block is made for.,.wildlife ! This year we hit a record as hiding under my motorbike cover we found a 1.8m lady and got some good pics. We think she was a lady as we’ve also had many sightings of 29-30cm ones. Thanks again keep safe

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

I had no idea *Australia* even had a copper head.

[@dyer2cycle]

..Love these presentations, I will be watching more :)...BTW, I have been predominately been watching a mate of yours in South Africa for some time...love his presentations, but it seems to me that he has kind of lost his direction lately..I have started watching these more...

[@amazonmang-ck3ws]

When I was a kid I thought we had yellow bellied black snakes but upon recently realising that’s not even a species, I wonder if they’re in fact copperheads.

[@BirdSpyAustralia]

When I go for a walk at the swamp I normally find them. The best I did was 5 in about an hour and one I come close to standing on. Went back the next day with a mate to see some and not even one was out. :D

[@tomdear5663]

I’m pretty sure it was one of these guys I saw beside the walking track up near Mt Buller today. Will they twitch the tip of their tail when threatened?

[@cameraman655]

A great snake, but the American Copperhead at least visually, is more strikingly beautiful. Still, ours packs more of a punch though like you said, one would really have to go out of their way to piss it off that much to get it to bite.

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

We need more videos!!! Where you been? Hope you are okay!

[@gloria2619]

As soon as I saw you holding it I knew it wasn't related to an American copperhead. Ours are aggressive, chew their venom into you but rarely kill anything bigger than a small dog. But the venom is acidic so painful. That deadly girl is so docile and sociable seems no relationship for sure. Pretty snake.

[@1000teresa4ever]

Is Copperhead bite still only treated with specific Tiger snake anti-venom; or can Polyvalent also be used on Copperhead bites?

[@veronicamartin7937]

G'day mate, just wondering about the percentage of dry bites with copperheads, I was bit 4x( 2x on feet an 2x on legs calf) and they were dry bites. Which is almost un heard of 4x. I was told it was the eastern brown snake or copperhead. Is there away to tell with there bite marks??

[@baabaabaa2293]

Go buy a lotto tkt Veronica! Your definitely on a lucky streak!

[@mpf5588]

Grew up in Tasmania lived on a farm saw plenty of Tiger Snakes over the years which are not really interested in eating people either, have to say only ever saw one copperhead which was road kill, tiger snakes saw them all the time.

[@kellysimon91]

I have always been intrigued with Australia and it’s vast wildlife and the amount of dangerous/deadly wildlife there is on one continent. Ian fascinated and terrified of venomous snakes, crocodiles, sharks, etc… I love to learn about them, their habits and how to STAY SAFE. I currently live in Florida but was raised in Indiana. Not sure why I moved to a state with more deadly creatures; other than not tolerating the cold winters in Indiana. What I find intriguing about venomous snakes in Australia is like you mentioned, most are not from the pit viper families (triangular head) and with all the various colors they could be. This would be difficult to discern what kind of snake is inhabiting your property. How do you keep children safe and teach them the difference between “a hot snake” or a “cool snake” (the lateSteve Irvin’s words) when Bindi was a toddler. In America we look for triangular head, mostly specific colors/markings I.e. the Pygmy Rattler markings, the Cottonmouth (mask of Zorro), the Copperhead, Eastern Diamond Backs, etc…

[@scottjones6921]

We teach our kids to leave all snakes alone. In Australia if a snake has bands or no pattern it is probably poisonous.

[@BOOMER-rs5qn]

I remember first time I saw the Australian copperhead I was like, "COPPERHEAD!? THAT'S NOT A COPPERHEAD, AND I PULLED OUT A PICTURE OF OUR AMERICAN COPPERHEAD, AND SAID NOW THAT'S A COPPERHEAD! Get it? Crocodile Dundee movie..."that's not a knife", then pulls out a huge knife. Lol.

[@cameraman655]

Yeah mate, I get it, funny...

[@Jaymz001]

And I always thought that the inland taipan was the only Australian copper head.

[@WickedWildlife]

The inland is actually not closely related to the copperheads, although the Australian copperheads are not related to the American ones what so ever

[@truthseeker6584]

How interesting to learn that there is a snake that so cold tolerant! Moving even when there is snow is incredible. Thanks for the amazing information!

[@stevennewman1268]

I once seen what I thought was a copperhead in the riverina town of Griffith and it had a rusty reddish head and a dark coloured body ,,would that be a copperhead ??

[@bennuballbags2]

Thats a beautiful snake, one of the best

[@zakwickham136]

Copperheadslive in Australia

[@MrGriser]

Very brave of you to hold such a highly venomous snake I know it's docile but still a bit risky.

[@Dysfunctional_serenity]

I’ve heard you say a lot that snakes aren’t aggressive and the only one I’d say that is would be the black mamba what do you think about black mambas?

[@WickedWildlife]

Gday Serenity Wilson I personally don’t consider mambas aggressive either, infact I think they are probobly the best example on earth of a defensive snake In my video comparing taipans and mambas I include some footage of Dingo Dinkleman with his very wound up mamba. Sure when the snake feels it can’t escape you can see it charge towards him, but you can also see as soon as the mamba sees a place to hide it shoots away from him To me that is a classic example of a flighty, defensive snake, and as the saying goes the best defence is a good offence At the end of the day the goal of the behaviour is to make you leave them alone, which to me is not true agression

[@Dysfunctional_serenity]

Aggressive isn’t the right word I’ll definitely agree to that! Good points and a better way to look at our

[@Dysfunctional_serenity]

Look at it

[@TheBobcat1978]

Bandy Bandy snake please. It is an elapadae but it's venom is extremely weak to people.

[@ashleymalamute]

What's the cure for snake-phobia?

[@tyson1ize]

venomous (of an animal, especially a snake) secreting venom, or capable of injecting venom by means of a bite or sting. do you mean venomous or poisonous (of a substance or plant) causing or capable of causing death or illness if taken into the body?

[@andreabond3501]

Down in bannockburn vic big clean up job not one Snake

[@animulovers3881]

Awesome sir speed recovey for your wife