Australian Copperhead Snakes: Austrelaps

“Copperhead Snake” in Australia is a genus-level common name. It refers to three native elapids: the Pygmy Copperhead (Austrelaps labialis), Highland Copperhead (A. ramsayi) and Lowland Copperhead (A. superbus). [1] They are not the North American snakes sometimes called copperheads.

All three Australian copperheads are venomous. The Australian Museum says an adult bite may be potentially fatal without medical assistance. [1] WildGuardian’s HIGH label therefore means distance is the correct response. Never approach a snake to decide which copperhead it is; treat an unknown snake and any possible bite with the same care.

Identification: a shared look, not a field clearance

Copperheads are moderately robust, muscular snakes that are usually semi-glossy blackish to grey-brown. Some have a brown or orange flush, particularly around the head. Their lower side scales are enlarged and often paler near the neck and forebody, the belly is cream to grey, and the upper lip scales commonly have a pale front edge. [1]

Their heads are relatively narrow and only slightly separate from the neck, while the pupils are round. [1] None of these traits gives a bystander a safe way to identify a snake in the field. Copperheads can be confused with Tiger Snakes, Eastern Brown Snakes and Red-bellied Black Snakes depending on locality. [1] Remain back rather than looking for confirming details.

Range and wet-country habitats

Copperheads live in cool, high-rainfall parts of south-eastern Australia. The Pygmy Copperhead occurs in the Mount Lofty Ranges and on Kangaroo Island. The Highland Copperhead occurs in the highlands of New South Wales and eastern Victoria. The Lowland Copperhead occurs in lowland south-eastern South Australia, southern Victoria, Tasmania and Bass Strait islands. [1]

They use a varied group of habitats that often have reliable moisture or dense cover: wetlands, creek margins, marshes, swamps, heathland, grassland, woodland, cool upland forest and disturbed agricultural country. [1] They shelter under logs, rocks, deep vegetation and in disused burrows. That means a wetland edge, dam, tussock grass, woodpile or old farm cover deserves space and attention.

They are mainly ground-dwelling and active by day, although they may be active on warm evenings. [1] Their diet includes frogs, lizards, reptile eggs and other small animals. All three species are live-bearing. [1]

Safer encounters

If you see a snake, pause and create distance. Keep pets and children away, do not block its escape route and do not reach into grass, timber, rocks or holes to find it. Copperheads tend to avoid encounters, but a cornered animal can hiss, flatten its body and strike if further provoked. [1]

If a snake is inside a home, classroom or another confined setting, arrange a suitably licensed local snake controller or wildlife professional. Do not attempt to relocate it. A snake that looks inactive, injured or dead should also be left alone.

Suspected bite: call 000

Healthdirect advises that all snake bites are potentially life-threatening. Call 000 for an ambulance immediately, move away from the snake without trying to catch it, and keep the person still and calm. [2]

Apply pressure immobilisation: bandage over the bite, then bandage from the fingers or toes upward over the whole limb, add a rigid splint and restrict movement. [2] [3] Do not wash the bite, cut the wound, suck out venom or apply a tourniquet. Do not wait for symptoms or a species identification. If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, start CPR while awaiting the ambulance. [2]

Frequently asked questions

Is “Copperhead Snake” one Australian species?

No. It covers three Austrelaps species: Pygmy, Highland and Lowland Copperheads. [1]

Where are Australian copperheads found?

They are restricted to cool south-eastern Australia, including parts of South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Bass Strait islands. [1]

Are copperheads associated with water?

They can be. Wetlands, creek margins, swamps and other moist sites are relevant habitat, although the three species also use forest, grassland and disturbed country. [1]

What should I do after a possible Copperhead bite?

Treat it as an emergency: call 000, keep the person still and apply pressure immobilisation. [2] [3]

References

1. [1] Copperhead Snake — Australian Museum
2. [2] Snake bites — Healthdirect Australia
3. [3] First aid — NSW Poisons Information Centre
4. [4] Copperheads, Austrelaps — Australian Venom Research Unit