Poisonous Snake Native To CT Found In West Hartford: Reports

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A venomous northern copperhead was recently spotted at the West Hartford Reservoir, according to reports from CT Insider and WTNH Channel 8.

Krista McKim, 50, of West Hartford, told Hearst Connecticut Media's CT Insider she noticed the snake while walking Wednesday at the reservoir and realized it was different from others she had seen there previously. McKim said she used the “Snakes of Connecticut” guide on her phone and identified the snake as a northern copperhead, according to Hearst.

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the copperhead is one of only two venomous snake species found in the state, along with the state-endangered timber rattlesnake.

DEEP officials say copperheads are most commonly found along trap rock ridges in central Connecticut, particularly west of the Connecticut River in Hartford, Middlesex and New Haven counties.

The snakes favor wooded rocky hillsides, meadow edges, and wetland-adjacent habitats, according to DEEP.

The species is recognized by its copper-colored head and distinctive hourglass-shaped bands across its body. Adult copperheads typically measure between 24 and 37 inches long.

State wildlife officials said copperheads are generally nonaggressive and usually remain motionless or retreat when encountered.

However, they may bite if threatened or handled.

DEEP advises hikers in rocky areas to watch where they place their hands and feet and to observe snakes from a distance.

Officials also cautioned residents not to kill snakes, noting that several nonvenomous species — including eastern milksnakes, northern watersnakes and eastern hog-nosed snakes — are frequently mistaken for copperheads.

The agency said habitat loss, road mortality, and intentional killing have contributed to declining copperhead populations in Connecticut, despite the species remaining more common than timber rattlesnakes.

Residents seeking more information about snakes in Connecticut can contact the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011.

For the full CT Insider report, click on this link.

For the full WTNH Channel 8 report, click on this link.

For more information on the northern copperhead, click on this link.

From April 4: '2 Snakes To Know On Your Walks, Jogs And Hikes Around Connecticut'