08/31/2026
Did You Know?
Copperheads eat tons of cicadas!
According to the University of Georgia, cicadas can provide an abundant food source for copperheads. The snakes have even been observed actively hunting cicadas around trees and other areas where the insects gather. So, all that buzzing you're hearing this time of year may be getting the attention of more than just us!
Copperheads are ambush predators, and their camouflage makes them nearly impossible to see, especially when the leaves start to drop. So, from a snakebite management perspective, pet owners should be aware that both the bases and lower branches of trees may be occupied by copperheads this time of year. Slightly unnerving but useful information!
Recommended: Crotalus Vaccination for your outdoor and indoor/outdoor dogs. This includes indoor dogs that spend any amount of time outdoors. Why?
The Red Rock Biologics Crotalus vaccine primarily protects against rattlesnake venom, particularly from the western diamondback, but it also offers some cross-protection against copperheads.
NOTE: However, this protection is limited and may not be sufficient to prevent significant clinical illness from copperhead bites