Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all. I just acquired a southern copperhead today. I got it from a friend of mine who's had it for close to a year. I got his tank set up and I've noticed that he's been really aggressive when I'm just looking at him. He'll shake his tail vigorously (much like my ratsnakes) and he'll strike at the glass, leaving lines and sprays of venom on the glass. He'll also produce a strong musk that I can smell as I walk into the room.

Does anyone have copperheads that are this aggressive or exhibit this behavior? I presume its present temperament are due, in part, to the recent move to a new environment. He will calm down, no?

Thanks for any input,
Dimitri

The best person to ask would be the friend you got it from what its usual behavior is like. Personally, I've never seen a copperhead act like that. I've kept about 50 of them and every single one has been very nice. Had a few skittish Trans Pecos but they still never once struck at anything but food. Which is probably why coppers have always remained a species that I have absolutely no negative thoughts or feeelings about. I love them. I hope it calms down for you cause in my opinion, they're one of the most rewarding, interesting and beautiful species in the world to keep.