270 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [12:6-Sept., 1916 



"While said to possess a most vicious disposition, the copper- 

 head snake by no means displays more hostility than the other 

 poisonous snakes. Like the moccasin, it becomes very tame in 

 captivity, where it lives, thrives and breeds, showing more vivac- 

 ity than the Southern snake, 1 >ut a generally good-natured demeanor 

 toward man. Often in transferring these snakes from cage to cage 

 I have noted their evenness of temper ; they soon accustom them- 

 selves to their new quarters, seldom strike and feed regularly, a 

 sign among reptiles generally that temper and health are good. 



11 In the Northern States the copperhead frequents rocky places, 

 usually near thick timber, marshy glades or hollows. Here they 

 find much food in the shape of birds, small rodents and frogs. They 

 also feed on other snakes. They often select deserted stone quar- 

 ries for abodes, and hibernate in deep, rocky clefts. It is easily 

 seen why the Palisades are infested. In the South, unlike the 

 timber rattlesnake, the copperhead does not frequent the swamps 

 and low grounds; it seeks higher ground. 



"When disturbed in native haunts the snake usually tries to 

 escape quietly. If flight be impossible it defends itself vigorously, 

 throwing the body into a series of loops and striking in the direc- 

 tion of the enemy. At such times a rapid, vibratory movement 

 is communicated to the tail which makes a distinct buzzing sound, 

 if the snake is among leaves. Throughout all these moves the 

 snake constantly backs away, always trying to escape. 



Like the moccasin, if held down with a stick in an endeavor to 

 effect its capture, it fights furiously thrashing the body about in 

 an attempt to free itself. In its excitement it often bites itself, but 

 these wounds are never fatal, as the venomous snakes are immune 

 to their own and to each other's poison. 



"I remember one experience with a large copperhead in the 

 Pennsylvania woods. I was resting on a large rock, partially cov- 

 ered at its base with tangled vines. While carelessly swinging 

 my foot against the vines I was startled by a buzz among the dead 

 leaves, and glancing down I saw a large copperhead with head 

 drawn back and tail vibrating, backing away by alternately loop- 

 ing and straightening its body. The snake could easily have 

 struck my shoes. I remained motionless and in a moment it had 

 glided away. Here was an instance of a poisonous snake, in a fine 

 position to employ its fangs, giving warning of its presence and 

 then retreating without delivering a blow. I brought that fellow 

 home with me. 



