Copperheads are masters of camouflage, blending in with leaves, tree bark and forest debris. This makes them nearly invisible at night, especially in wooded areas.
SAN ANTONIO — As cicada season reaches its peak, another creature is taking advantage of the influx: copperhead snakes. Wildlife experts say these venomous snakes are blending into the environment, making night time encounters more likely than usual.
Tanner Easton, herpetology manager at the San Antonio Zoo, explains that cicadas are a prime food source for copperheads, drawing them out now more than often.
“These guys are pretty opportunistic but one of the cool things about copperheads is they also eat insects and one of the big ones is cicadas,” said Easton.
Copperheads are masters of camouflage, blending in with leaves, tree bark and forest debris. This makes them nearly invisible at night, especially in wooded areas. They’re most active between 9 p.m. and midnight, often hiding near oak trees where cicadas hatch.
“They blend in really well in forests and leaves… If you’re hiking or walking through wooded areas, you’ll want to keep an eye out,” said Wildlife Expert Christine Behringer.
Wildlife officials recommend taking simple precautions to avoid a dangerous encounter:
- Keep pets close when walking at night.
- Use a flashlight to check your surroundings.
- Avoid stepping near tree bases and leaf piles.
- Stick to well-lit paths.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has also issued a public warning, urging Texans to stay alert in parks, trails and backyards, especially where cicadas are emerging.
While a copperhead bite is rarely fatal, it can be painful and requires medical attention. If you are bitten:
- Stay calm and keep the affected area as still as possible.
- Do NOT try to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet.
- Seek medical help immediately.
Despite their reputation, experts say copperheads play a critical role in controlling insect populations—especially during cicada season.
“If we didn’t have snakes eating the cicadas, they’d be running rampant. Everything in nature has a balance,” Behringer added.
Experts stress that the best approach is simple, give snakes space and let them do their job.
So if you’re heading outside after dark, watch your step!