Cooler nights lure out copperhead snakes

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — The cooler days of fall mean more sightings of North Carolinas most common venomous snake.

The News & Record of Greensboro reports the cooler nights lead to copperheads seeking out walking trails and other heat-retaining pavement to warm up in the mornings and evenings.

Greensboro Science Center reptiles curator Rick Bolling says copperheads have their young in the late summer, so they're also slithering through the underbrush looking for toads and other prey.

North Carolina State University wildlife ecology professor Chris Moorman says copperheads are not aggressive, and if they're left alone they'll leave humans alone.

The snake's bite is painful and serious, but it's not likely to be fatal with medical treatment.

Information from: News & Record

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