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Discover Nature (Missouri Department of Conservation)

Discover Nature: Eastern Copperheads Leave Winter Dens


KBIA | By Kyle Felling
Published April 13, 2021 at 5:28 PM CDT
A light tan Osage copperhead snake with dark brown bands on its back lies hidden in brown leaves on the ground.
An Osage copperhead – a subspecies of the eastern copperhead – lies hidden among dead leaves. As eastern copperheads, and Missouri’s other native snakes begin emerging from winter dens this week, keep a watchful eye to the ground.";s:3:

This week on Discover Nature, while enjoying spring in Missouri, keep a watchful eye to the ground for snakes leaving their winter dens.

   

The eastern copperhead is the most common of Missouri’s five species of venomous snakes. Its color varies from grayish brown to pinkish tan, with distinctive hourglass-shaped crossbands on its back. 

Copperheads live on rocky hillsides and along forest edges. They also spend time among trees and brush along prairie streams, and are often found near abandoned farm buildings. They’re typically not aggressive and seldom strike unless provoked.

Copperheads eat mice, lizards, small birds, insects, and occasionally other, small snakes. 

Copperhead venom is considered mild compared to that of other venomous snakes, but medical treatment should still be sought if bitten. 

Watch your step, wear protective footwear, and don’t stick your hands under rocks or logs. If you see a copperhead, give it space and let it be. All native snakes in Missouri are protected by law. 

Learn more about Missouri’s native snakes with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Snake Guide, find info on venomous species at MDC’s Snake Facts page, and details about the eastern copperhead and its subspecies on the MDC online field guide.

Discover Nature is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation. 
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Kyle Felling
Kyle Felling’s work at KBIA spans more than three decades. In 2025, he became KBIA and KMUC's Station Manager. He began volunteering at the station while he was a Political Science student at the University of Missouri. After being hired as a full-time announcer, he served as the long-time local host of NPR’s All Things Considered on KBIA, and was Music Director for a number of years. Starting in 2010, Kyle became KBIA’s Program Director, overseeing on-air programming and operations while training and supervising the station’s on-air staff. During that period, KBIA regularly ranked among the top stations in the Columbia market, and among the most listened to stations in the country. He was instrumental in the launch of KBIA’s sister station, Classical 90.5 FM in 2015, and helped to build it into a strong community resource for classical music. Kyle has also worked as an instructor in the MU School of Journalism, training the next generation of journalists and strategic communicators. In his spare time, he enjoys playing competitive pinball, reading comic books and Joan Didion, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, and listening to Bruce Springsteen and the legendary E Street Band.
See stories by Kyle Felling
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