Northwood News ♦ October 2004

Snakes Alive!

By Charles Pritchard

Like many dog-owners, Bill Robbins, a retired Department of Agriculture scientist, uses the Rachel Carson Trail for combined man-and-dog exercise.  Recently, he had an unpleasant experience on the trail with a copperhead viper that bit his dog.  (At last report, the dog was doing well.)

Bill reports that copperheads, rather than the more aggressive rattlesnakes, are a longtime phenomenon in our woods.  He notes that they are most active in the transitional periods between seasons.  Look for a triangular head and splotches of coppery brown and black.  Copperheads will try to escape but will strike if cornered or threatened.   ■