June 2018 brought me face-to-face with one of nature’s most fascinating predators. I was driving the tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma when I spotted movement ahead. A copperhead snake was crossing the asphalt, and I had my camera ready.
I stopped my truck immediately. The snake moved with surprising grace across the hot pavement. Its body showed the classic hourglass pattern that makes copperheads so distinctive. The rich brown and tan colors blended perfectly with the surrounding landscape.
Photographing Venomous Wildlife Safely
Getting close to a copperhead snake requires respect and caution. These snakes are venomous, but they’re not aggressive by nature. They prefer to escape rather than fight. I kept a safe distance and used my telephoto lens to capture the moment.
The snake took its time crossing the road. I watched through my viewfinder as it navigated the warm asphalt. The afternoon light highlighted every scale and pattern on its body. Additionally, the contrast between the dark road and the snake’s earth-tone colors created a striking image.
Understanding Copperhead Behavior
Copperhead snakes live throughout the eastern and central United States. They’re pit vipers, which means they hunt using heat-sensing organs. However, they’re also opportunistic feeders that eat rodents, frogs, and insects.
During summer months, copperheads often cross roads while hunting or seeking new territory. The warm pavement doesn’t bother them like it would other animals. They’re well-adapted to various habitats, from forests to rocky areas.
The snake I photographed showed typical copperhead behavior. It moved deliberately but without panic. When it reached the road’s edge, it disappeared into the tall grass like it was never there.