Are There Copperheads in Pennsylvania?
Yes, copperheads live in Pennsylvania, but they are uncommon and found only in the southwestern corner of the state. Bites are rare, and most people will never encounter one. Understanding their habitat helps you avoid them while exploring [Pennsylvania wildlife](/wildlife/pennsylvania).
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Eastern Copperhead · Court Harding CC BY
Eastern Copperhead · Mila C. CC BY
Eastern Copperhead · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- 633
- GBIF records
- June, August, July
- peak months
Yes, copperheads are in Pennsylvania. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
416 verified observations on iNaturalist of copperhead have been recorded in Pennsylvania, most often in June, August, July.
When copperhead are recorded in Pennsylvania
Yes, copperheads live in Pennsylvania, but they are uncommon and found only in the southwestern corner of the state. Bites are rare, and most people will never encounter one. Understanding their habitat helps you avoid them while exploringPennsylvania wildlife.
Are They in Pennsylvania?
Copperheads are found in Pennsylvania, but only in the southwestern corner of the state. They occur primarily in Greene County and adjacent areas along the Ohio River border. This represents the northern edge of their range, where populations are sparse and scattered. Most of Pennsylvania has no copperheads at all. The snakes are rare even in the southwestern counties where they do live. Copperheads may have expanded northward into Pennsylvania over the past century, possibly due to climate warming or changes in land use patterns. Historical records suggest they were even less common in the state a century ago. Most Pennsylvania residents will never see a copperhead in the wild during their entire lives. Encounters are rare even for people who hike frequently in appropriate snake habitat.Learn more about Pennsylvania wildlifeto understand which species live in your specific region and how to identify them correctly.
How Dangerous Is It?
Copperheads are venomous snakes, but bites are uncommon and rarely serious with prompt medical care. The venom causes localized pain and swelling in the tissue around the bite site. Most healthy adults recover fully after receiving appropriate medical treatment. Deaths from copperhead bites are very rare in the United States, particularly with modern emergency medical care available. Copperheads are generally shy snakes that avoid confrontation with humans whenever possible. Bites happen almost exclusively when someone accidentally steps on the snake or reaches into a hiding place without seeing it first. The snake prefers to flee rather than bite when given the opportunity. Children and small animals face slightly greater risk because they are closer to the ground and may not notice a snake. If bitten, the key to a good outcome is seeking medical care quickly, not the severity of the bite itself.
How to Recognize One
Copperheads are stocky snakes typically 24 to 36 inches long with distinctive hourglass-shaped bands running along the body. The bands are dark on the edges with lighter centers, creating a pinched or constricted appearance. The head is copper-colored, which is where the snake's name comes from. The body is tan, reddish-brown, or peachy pink with darker markings and bands. The pupils are vertical, like a cat's eyes, which distinguishes pit vipers from non-venomous snakes. Copperheads have heat-sensing pits along their lower jawline that help them detect warm prey. They blend in exceptionally well with leaf litter, woodpiles, and rocky terrain, which is why they are sometimes accidentally stepped on. Their excellent camouflage makes them difficult to spot even when you know what to look for.
What to Do If Bitten or Stung
If bitten by a copperhead in Pennsylvania, stay calm and seek medical care immediately. Remove rings, bracelets, or tight clothing from the bitten area before swelling occurs and restricts circulation. Keep the bite site still and below heart level if possible. Do not apply ice, heat, or tourniquets to the bite area. Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake, as this risks additional bites. Call 911 or have someone drive you to an emergency room immediately. Stay calm and still, as movement increases venom circulation throughout the body. Immobilizing the bitten area reduces venom distribution. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe. Pennsylvania emergency rooms have antivenom available and experienced medical staff trained in treating copperhead bites.
How to Prevent Encounters
Wear closed-toe boots and long pants when hiking or working in southwestern Pennsylvania, especially during warm months when snakes are active. Stay on marked trails and avoid walking through tall grass, dense brush, or areas with heavy leaf litter where snakes hide. Watch where you step and carefully place your hands when climbing or moving rocks. Do not reach into places you cannot see clearly. Use a stick to move debris and woodpiles rather than using your hands. Shake out clothing, shoes, and sleeping bags before using them. Keep woodpiles and brush piles away from your home if you live in copperhead habitat. Clear leaf litter and thick brush from around your property. Remove rodent populations from your yard, as these attract snakes hunting for food. Do not work in yards or gardens without first checking the area carefully. Hike during midday when snakes are less active and easier to see.Explore our wildlife guidesfor more prevention strategies and safety tips.
Where in Pennsylvania and When
Copperheads in Pennsylvania are found almost exclusively in Greene County in the southwestern corner, along the Ohio River border. They may also occur in small numbers in adjacent counties in western Pennsylvania, but sightings there are extremely rare. They are almost never found in the rest of the state, including the central, eastern, and northern regions. Copperheads are active from late spring through early fall, typically from April through October or November. They are most active during the warm months when temperatures allow them to move and hunt for food. During very hot summer afternoons, they may rest in shade or shelter. During cold months, they hide in underground dens called hibernacula and remain inactive until spring. They prefer rocky, wooded hillsides with plenty of cover and shelter options. They also inhabit leaf litter, brush piles, and areas near streams and water sources. Most Pennsylvania residents never need to worry about copperheads.Find more about Pennsylvania wildlife.
Harmless Lookalikes
Harmless milk snakes and northern water snakes are often mistaken for copperheads in Pennsylvania. Milk snakes have hourglass-like markings similar to copperheads, but the patterns are distinctly different and the snakes are completely harmless. Water snakes are commonly misidentified as copperheads, especially when found near streams or wetlands where people encounter them. Rat snakes and garter snakes are harmless despite their size or appearance. Black rat snakes are long and sometimes feared by unfamiliar people, but they are beneficial and completely safe. Garter snakes are common throughout Pennsylvania and are harmless. Non-venomous water snakes are found near Pennsylvania water and are often confused with venomous water moccasins from southern states, though water moccasins do not live in Pennsylvania. King snakes are beneficial predators that eat other snakes. If you find a snake in Pennsylvania and are unsure of its identity, take a clear photo and consult withmore on Copperhead in Pennsylvaniaor a local wildlife expert for identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are copperheads common in Pennsylvania? No, copperheads are uncommon in Pennsylvania and found only in southwestern Greene County and possibly a few adjacent counties. Most Pennsylvanians will never encounter one. How dangerous are copperhead bites? Copperhead bites cause pain and swelling but are rarely serious with prompt medical care. Deaths from copperhead bites are extremely rare in the United States. How do I avoid copperheads in Pennsylvania? Wear boots and long pants while hiking in southwestern counties during warm months, stay on trails, and watch where you step and place your hands. What should I do if I see a copperhead in Pennsylvania? Leave it alone and give it plenty of space to move away. Most copperheads will retreat if given an escape route. Do not attempt to capture, kill, or harass it. For wildlife safety information and identification help, visitPennsylvania wildlife guide.
Plan your trip
Best time to see copperhead in Pennsylvania: June, August, July
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your copperhead sighting in Pennsylvania
633 verified copperhead records have been logged in Pennsylvania, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Pennsylvania
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Friendship Hill National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are They in Pennsylvania?+
Copperheads are found in Pennsylvania, but only in the southwestern corner of the state. They occur primarily in Greene County and adjacent areas along the Ohio River border. This represents the northern edge of their range, where populations are sparse and scattered. Most of Pennsylvania has no copperheads at all. The snakes are rare even in the southwestern counties where they do live. Copperheads may have expanded northward into Pennsylvania over the past century, possibly due to climate warming or changes in land use patterns. Historical records suggest they were even less common in the state a century ago. Most Pennsylvania residents will never see a copperhead in the wild during their entire lives. Encounters are rare even for people who hike frequently in appropriate snake habitat.Learn more about Pennsylvania wildlifeto understand which species live in your specific region and how to identify them correctly.
How Dangerous Is It?+
Copperheads are venomous snakes, but bites are uncommon and rarely serious with prompt medical care. The venom causes localized pain and swelling in the tissue around the bite site. Most healthy adults recover fully after receiving appropriate medical treatment. Deaths from copperhead bites are very rare in the United States, particularly with modern emergency medical care available. Copperheads are generally shy snakes that avoid confrontation with humans whenever possible. Bites happen almost exclusively when someone accidentally steps on the snake or reaches into a hiding place without seeing it first. The snake prefers to flee rather than bite when given the opportunity. Children and small animals face slightly greater risk because they are closer to the ground and may not notice a snake. If bitten, the key to a good outcome is seeking medical care quickly, not the severity of the bite itself.
More wildlife in Pennsylvania