Sarah Paul encountered this copperhead while on a run in Virginia.
Even though Ohio Cooperative Living print magazine has circulation of 300,000 subscribers, I’m still often surprised at the publication’s “reach.” For instance, recently, after my May 2024 Woods, Waters, & Wildlife monthly outdoors column was published, I heard from Sarah Paul, who lives in Virginia. Her parents, Gordon and Jo McDonald, live in Radnor, Ohio, and receive the co-op magazine. They had read my story titled “Snakes on a Plain,” about the Buckeye State’s three species of venomous snakes, so when they received a photo from Sarah of a copperhead, they suggested she send it to me. Below is her message and photo, and my reply.
Gordon & Jo McDonald (Sarah Paul)
Q. Hi, Chip! I saw this snake during my run this morning, and what a beautiful creature! I’m sure it was a copperhead, but your article and pic helped confirm it. We see some beautiful snakes in Virginia. Last year, we saw a smooth green snake, and it was so pretty!
A. Sure looks like a copperhead to me, Sarah. I’ve not spent much time in Virginia, but from what I’ve seen of the terrain/habitat, your state probably has many more copperheads than Ohio does. Beautiful, yes, but steer clear, and thanks for sharing your photo!
Nancy Kremer
Q. I saw your recent snake article in the Darke Rural Electric Cooperative magazine. We have two snakes living in our family pond. Obviously, the grandkids would prefer they weren’t there! Anything we can do to livetrap them and move them to the creek?
A. Hi, Nancy. If the snakes were swimming in your pond, they are probably Northern watersnakes, one of the most abundant snakes in Ohio. They are also nonvenomous. The snakes are there because they find the habitat in and around your pond inviting. That said, if you try to capture and relocate them, other Northern watersnakes will likely take their place.
How about this as an alternative? The Ohio Division of Wildlife has a free, full-color Reptiles of Ohio Field Guide that can be downloaded here: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/backyard-wildlife/Pub%205354_Reptiles%20of%20Ohio%20Field%20Guide.pdf.
The next time the grandkids are visiting and spot a snake, see if they can identify it by using the field guide. Building a curiosity about wildlife — including snakes — may make the kids less fearful and more appreciative of the critters they encounter in the natural world.
