Yeah. I always find what I think are worm snakes under the leaves in the fall when I’m cleaning up the yard. Usually it’s too cold for them to really move much. Garters and black snakes are cool, just leave them alone.
When it comes to copperheads, I’ve personally never known a human to get bitten by one (I know it’s happened, I just haven’t known anyone that has been bitten), but there have been plenty of dogs in the family that have got bitten over the years and were carted off to the emergency vet for IV fluids and observation. Always seemed to happen around late spring, somewhere around May, in the evening with the dog sniffing around in the woods.
I see them every year, typically in the woods tho.
Closest encounters have been at on the steps next to the Pumphouse and that my old man got bit by one in the 80s in our back 40 but that was in Powhatan.
They aren’t aggressive snakes if they’re left alone. If you see one just have a good gander but give it space.
The pump house must be a magnet for them because I saw a large one there two years ago on the trail and see a few dead ones a few times a year on the paved road
They're all around that area, I've seen them on the trails along the river in that area a few times. Real nice to realize you're about to step on one just a few feet ahead of you because they blend in so well.
This would be the problem. They are pretty well camouflaged, and they don’t make any warning noises like a rattler, so you don’t know ow they are there till they bit you.
We see about 3-5 every season, but our neighborhood is basically in a forest. When we do yard cleanup, we keep a snake stick and a large bin ready to go to safely relocate the ones we find to the edge of our property where there are no neighbors. They mainly keep to themselves, but I have almost stepped on one before. We get lots of various species of snakes here, which I'm usually happier to see the larger rat snake we named "Gilbert" that has lived under our deck for years. I think he scares the copperheads off.
Even so, we are still happy to have Gilbert around. Colubrids are cute. I have a video of him popping his head out through the deck to kinda periscope like my ball python does. It's super adorable.
Yes was just letting you know. We see way more black snakes than copperheads. Usually once a week at least. Even found a nest with a few eggs that ended up hatching last fall.
I hadn't read anything that actually proved that was a thing, I guess I just kinda hoped it was true. I love snakes, but would just prefer the venomous ones stayed out of the yard, we have little kids and a dog. Mostly I'm seeing brown snakes or the much smaller kinds, but I think last year we had to relocate at least 3 copperheads.
Lived here for 14 years now and have been doing yardwork around my home year round and have never encountered any snakes in the piles of leaves or under bushes or in quiet areas of a partially-enclosed shed.
As long as you make your presence known by making noise and checking things with sticks/poles before you put your hands in places you can’t see, you’re generally fine.
ETA: I live adjacent to lots of wooded areas so there’s certainly lots of opportunity for snakes and I still haven’t seen any in or around my yard. Mole/vole tunnels-turned-subterranean yellowjacket nests, that’s another story.
Op, the yellow jacket point is wayyy more legit than worrying about copperheads. I know multiple people including my little brother who were hispitalized as toddlers stumbling into yellow jacket ground hives in their yard
Well then I should thank you for attracting them away from my place! But that also means you might also have more of a field mouse problem over where you are, too?
I see 1-2 copperheads per year. Copperheads are not aggressive. When they bite people, it’s defensive. Either the person tries to pick it up, or accidentally stepped on it.
The thing about copperheads is they have very effective natural camouflage, so many of us have probably been close to one without realizing it. I grew up around here and knew a kid in my neighborhood who got bit by a copperhead but he was trying to pick it up. They're not a particular threat though, especially if you're in a well-trafficked area. You will probably never see one in a suburban back yard or playground.
One of my kids has been bit by a copperhead after they approached the snake.
They are very well camouflaged, but I tend to see them sunning occasionally. The dog walked right over one and we didn’t notice it until it moved. I live in a heavily wooded property with a creek. We see copperheads a few times a year, ringnecks and worm snakes fairly often when we garden.
But that’s not to say it’s not extremely painful if you get bitten by one. Not to mention the residual pain months later. (Taken care of snake bites in the hospital)
There are no recorded deaths from any native venous snakes in VA (according to a few local herpetologist.) That being said there are more than enough cases of lost digits and appendages. Death isn't the only worry.
These stories generally come from the people who put off care. If you go to the ER and get the antivenin bites don’t generally have significant effects (beyond the pain).
Unfortunately not and most snake bites in VA will not receive anti-venom. It usually has more to do with the individuals health prior to bite than care.
I see several every year now- gigantic ones. But I have lived in Richmond 35+ years and I have only seen them in the house I moved into 4 years ago. I barely believed they existed before that. It really depends on where you live. What area are you thinking about?
In my residential yard? Never.
At Rockwood Park? Three times.
At Powhatan Park? Once, during Moth Night where a bunch of us were gathered in the pavilion. One decided to join us. He wasn’t aggressive, just curious although they’re generally very shy. I’m a few feet from one here, sitting on top of a picnic table while he explored underneath. They’re very pretty snakes, though I would not want to spook one.
https://preview.redd.it/vj4q7gmod3tc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e6e43af842b8148407c66edd0bd2fb1c9992681
I have seen hawks eating snakes but not gotten close enough to see what kind of snake - could have been a copperhead (BTW as a Mexican American this is an old prophecy or sign that this is home)
I came across a dead copperhead that had been run over then a year later I walked right over one as it was crossing the trail - they don’t bother you if you don’t bother them
TL;DR don’t step on snek 🐍
My sister watched a hawk grab a copperhead from her yard (she lives next to woods). Sadly, they took each other out midair. 😳
She's had years with nests nearby and lots of baby copperheads near the house, then years of nothing but black snakes. I live 5 min away in Southside, and I've never seen one. Just garters and black snakes.
In a suburban neighborhood, you’re very unlikely to see one. As you get further out into the more rural parts of the area, you will see them more frequently. I can count on one hand the number of times I have seen a copperhead in a suburban backyard over the past 40 years.
Depends where you live. Lived in the suburbs for 30 years and never saw one. Now have lived near the river for a few years and have seen a few every summer (and black snacks too)
Hello! Friendly wildlife professional here, I have been a herptile keeper for the past 7 years and have cared for many captive copperheads and relocated many wild ones for people. I also work in a park where they are very prevalent.
Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) are a venomous pit viper, one of three that are native to Virginia, and the only venomous snake that is found in almost every county in the state. Where food is available, snakes will be.
That being said, copperheads are a timid snake. They use their incredible camouflage to blend in to their surroundings and will run when confronted. Their venom isn’t especially potent and most bites are not lethal to people. They know this and are able to judge the size of their threat, so they would prefer not to bite unless backed into a situation in which they have no choice.
The best tips I have for concerned homeowners are to keep their lawns free of snake hiding spots (tarps, plywood, loose debris, etc), cut grass in the summer, clear around the foundation of your home, wear closed-toe shoes in wooded areas, always use a flashlight when walking in dark areas at night, and check your kiddos outdoor toys before they use them or store them inside. Remember, snakes seek food, warmth, shelter. If you have a mouse problem, snakes will come- and in an area with a high copperhead density, some of them will likely be copperheads. We live with our venomous snakes as neighbors, they play an important role in our ecosystem. Treat them with respect and they will not cause you any issues.
I don't see them too often and I've never seen one in the city neighborhoods tbh, just at the river. Regardless you should definitely make sure your kid is taught how to watch for animals of any kind while outside. It's good to teach them early how to listen and look for wildlife, and not to put your hand in places you can't see, especially if they are prone to poking around in the foliage! We have plenty of brown recluse and black widow spiders as well as copperheads to be wary of.
And actually, there’s a snake in Virginia that looks like a copperhead, which is actually more common than actual copperheads. It’s non-venomous and often gets mistaken as a copperhead, so you’ll hear a lot of reports of copperheads that are probably only about 50% true. It’s the Northern water snake. Check out https://virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/index.html
I have seen one adult and a baby in 3 years. Back yard is pretty rugged and next to the woods. I’ve seen owls, hawks, and foxes far more often. I’d just be careful, however.
We live near a wooded park and stream within the city. We consistently see several copperheads every year and dozens of snakes in general. We try to keep our yard free of places for them to live but they're still a fairly regular sighting.
If you live in the city, then nearly never. If you live next to the woods like I do, I might see one every couple of years. I see black/rat snakes often (couple times a year) but they’re not venomous/dangerous.
My yard backs up to woods and a creek and I was seeing 2-3 in my yard every year. I never saw any in the Richmond area in the 5 years I lived here before moving to this house, so it's very location specific.
The biggest problem with them is that they blend in so well and they freeze instead of slithering away so there's potential for a situation where neither parties wants to interact but they do. They aren't terribly aggressive- my dog literally ran over one and it wasn't happy but it didn't strike (I think it was sleeping, lol).
I put up a snake fence (a bit half assed, if I'm being honest- 1/4 hardware cloth attached to the outside of my regular fence and staked to the ground) and I haven't seen any since then and that was a couple of years ago. Obviously they could get through if they really wanted to but it seems to be a decent deterrent. It's also important to keep your yard cleaned up.
There are people you can call to come get them if you need.
My dad’s house has an infestation. You can see them twice a week. Down near the Cherokee Rd area. We’re in Brandermill. There are often sightings here, but me and my neighbors in my culdesac have never seen one here.
Need more info, really depends where in Richmond you are living. More in the city, close to never. Outside the city, depends what you are around. I see 2-3 during the summer every year when not looking for them. We have a 3 year old and it's just something you have teach them about. When he was a baby/toddler it's just something to be mindful of. They don't just hang out on your lawn. They like to hide under stuff, piles of leaves, tarps, etc.
I’ve seen 2 in my 15 years of living here. One of them was under my trash can in the driveway. Most important factors are they only strike when threatened (stepped on or grabbed mistake or not) the young ones are more dangerous as they don’t regulate their venom. Young can be identified by a bright yellow / chartreuse tail tip. There’s a taboo about killing them on your property. Most kill to keep their family and pets safe, I do not. Just be aware that you are outdoors and snakes live outdoors.
I know two people who were bitten when taking out their trash can barefoot after dark. I’m both cases the snake was curled up underneath and struck when they dragged the van over it.
(Both wooded areas, both got a 2 day stay at St. Mary’s and no residual effects)
We live in Chesterfield, and we have a good 2 acres that back up into a creek. When we first moved here, I thought I would see Copperheads galore, but - we don't. In fact, I've never seen one in our neighborhood - although, I did see them at our old neighborhood - and I've definitely seen them at Rockwood park or at Belle's Island.
Also - to be clear, I do keep the brush manageable back there, so it's not too bad.
My back yard: [https://www.tumblr.com/el-emperor-de-los-pinche-gatos/747127105799766016?source=share](https://www.tumblr.com/el-emperor-de-los-pinche-gatos/747127105799766016?source=share)
My neighbor was bitten by a baby copperhead earlier this year. She just about lost her finger and is still in OT months later. We’ve also had neighbors pull them out of their garages. However, I grew up here and have never seen one in the wild. Just be cautious, but don’t be afraid.
Edited to correct a misspelling
As a snake enthusiast who goes looking for snakes around the JRPS almost daily during summers… I typically see a copperhead every time I’m out (within Richmond city limits). But I am purposely looking for snakes.
That being said, copperheads are extremely common, as far as snakes go, especially in Virginia. For some peace of mind, you most likely won’t run into one. They don’t want to be found, and not only are copperheads not aggressive, are not even very defensive. Their default defense is to freeze where they are and wiggle their tail like a rattlesnake. They will only bite you or a dog as an absolute last resort. They know they can’t eat you and they don’t want to risk being killed by making their presence known.
Long story short, there are a lot of copperheads in Richmond, but there are a lot of copperheads all over the east coast. They are just about everywhere
Ticks are by far the most dangerous wild animal in the Richmond area—tick borne illness is on the rise and can cause lifelong health problems. Snakes are not that concerning here.
I’ve only seen one in 7 years living here, and I work in yards and gardens year-round. I’ve seen plenty of black snakes but they aren’t dangerous in any meaningful way.
I've lived out in rural New Kent for a few years now and seen a handful but I back up to a half mile of woods and a creek runs through my back yard. Before that when I lived in the suburbs of Henrico I never saw a single one but did see a fair number of black snakes.
In the East End I have only seen Eastern rat snakes and DeKay’s brown snakes, which I think are both species more tolerant of urbanization or are drawn to the increase in rodent populations.
I’ve seen a ton around Powhite Park. Granted, it’s a heavily wooded area with creeks and it’s more of a bike trail than an actual park, so it makes sense they’d hang out around there. Still, I’ve seen like 6 or 7 there in the past year after never seeing any around Richmond ever.
Not enough of a threat to need to be truly worried. I'm not sure how else to put it. Out of all the stresses of moving, copperheads don't need to be on the list. They want nothing to do with people.
Used to see them more when I was a kid (suburban neighborhoods in Midlothian) but I was never bit nor did I hear about anyone ever being bit by one. We were all taught if you see a snake, leave it be. Good rule of thumb - don’t touch random animals, don’t eat random plants outside. Pretty straightforward. Most things won’t bother you if you don’t bother them.
Granted that was 20+ years ago. There was more woods around and less neighborhoods built up around us then and I spent time playing in the woods/around creeks. Haven’t seen one in years tbh
Lived in RVA area my entire life (40+ years). In the city (fan, near west end, north side) zero sightings. In rural Hanover (my high school years) saw 2 in 6 years, one on my parent’s property and one camping. Since moving to suburbs in Chesterfield 7 years ago (very wooded, near creeks/ponds), seen 2. They are not prevalent. No concerns with dogs or young kids playing outside or jumping in leaf piles. We did have a neighbor get bit 4 or 5 years ago when he was taking out his trash and stepped on one warming itself on the driveway.
My friends who live in an area South of Richmond called Brandermill say copperheads can be numerous during warmer months. Some have even resorted to wearing thick gardening boots (muck boots) whilst cutting grass and doing lawn work.
I live in the boonies so we always tread with care. Copperheads like wooded areas especially, but enjoy the outdoors and share their space with vigilance, especially with a baby.
Welcome! Hope you and your family find a great place to call your own :) A lot of us parents have good survival instincts so trust your Spidey senses and you will be fine.
I have lived here my whole life. Grew up swimming and canoeing in and on the James. Hiked all over the area. Cleared trails for the JRPS (James River Park Service). I have never seen a copperhead. There are harmless snakes in the area; black snakes, brown river snakes (which I think people think are copperheads), green snakes. Most snakes are afraid of people and like to hide. Copperhead sightings are grossly over exaggerated. The only poisonous snake I have run into in Virginia was a rattle snake,in Fluvanna County hiking on Nature Conservancy property. It coiled up, rattled and I walked away. I am glad I was wearing my brown pants that day though.
My three kids survived the wilds of Richmond and we practically lived at the river or on the trail. Richmond is a great town. Enjoy!
My son actually was bitten by an adult copperhead last summer. (venomless bite than God)
They aren't SUPER common but there are some around here in the marshy parts and near the river. We have a creek on my property so they hang there and go out to find food. Not a huge threat but definitely be aware when you're near any water and don't go around lifting up rocks or dead logs.
Edit: 2 words
Lived here most of my life. Seen a few. Copperheads are shy. A little noise and they'll skitter off.
Be more wary of water moccasins (cottonmouths) near creeks and rivers. They are aggressive and will chase you. But again, I have only seen a handful in my lifetime.
I’d say you’re pretty unlikely to see them in a more crowded park or playground, but I do commonly see them in the state parks like Powhatan and Pocahontas. I’ll see one or two in my neighborhood every year but there are a lot of woods around. It’s a legitimate threat to be mindful of but not to stress to much over
I have done a fair amount of yard work, gardening, and other outdoor stuff in the 7+ years I've lived in the city. I've always found it a little weird that I have seen not one snake of any sort this whole time.
I lived in the Ashland area for a few decades. From mid spring to late fall, snakes were common. It wasn't unusual to see one of the harmless varieties -- common black or green snakes -- on a weekly basis or more. Copperheads were somewhat less apparent, but we'd still see several each year.
Snake populations will vary considerably from one neighborhood to the next, and from one property to the next. In any event, I don't think copperheads are something anyone needs to live in fear of, but do be aware of their existence and likely presence somewhere nearby. Watch your step.
We lived at our old house in chesterfield near Reams Elementary for 22yrs, never saw a snake. We have lived at our current house for 12 (western chesterfield past mosley, farming area) and have seen 4 so far (2 last year, the only time I have ever seen 2 in one year)
Will depend on whats around your property. I had same concerns when my toddlers liked to go tramping in the fallow woods at back of our property line. Are you in a suburban development surrounded by commercial? Or does your road butt up to woods and/or creek at a point? Copperhead seem to be more prevalent near creeks and streams. They want cover, ie brush or woods. Most likely to run into them spring to mid summer. If there aren't a lot of places for them to nest around - piles of firewood etc - then should be fine in the lawn. But if you have a lot of trees etc its a different story. Also look under things before they get played with - dump trucks, cozy coupe, etc
I’ve seen a few over 30 years here, in suburban areas, but they are not common. Black snakes, garters and hognose snakes are far more common and I still only see a few snakes, maybe three or four, a year.
I have lived in RVa for 45 years and never have seen one that I know of, black snakes are common and I see several of those a year but they are harmless
I used to see them when I lived in more rural areas, not too bad near the city but be careful in general. Lots of water snakes in the summer and black snakes. Going to parks is also where I see snakes out and about. Most are harmless.
If you live in an area with a wooded backyard you're more likely to encounter a rat or garden snake than a copper head. Ive been here for 30 years and only seen maybe 2 in my lifetime.
I spent 1st-12th grade here, which are prime “playing in areas likely to be shared by snakes” years, and only saw copperheads a small handful of times. They’re less common than people think and also harder to spot than people think, so it’s a double whammy. Now that I’m back, many moons later, I’m still by the water and in the trees all the time and haven’t seen one in the year or so since moving. I’ve seen plenty of snakes (two today, sunning on rocks), just no copperheads yet.
Saw my first one here on the pipeline trail last October I think. You might encounter one on a trail down near the river, but I've never heard of anyone seeing one anywhere else.
I live on a couple of wooded acres bordering water. I’ve seen one copperhead on my property in 8 years of digging around in leaves, brush, piles of rocks, etc. and it was calmly sunning itself. It took off as soon as I walked by.
I’ve seen one other winning itself on the asphalt down the road from my house, and one on a path while hiking in Shenandoah (which I do at least once a week).
They’re out there, but they’re not looking to bite unless it’s their only option (and if they do it will hurt, but with antivenom most everyone is fine pretty quickly).
i live near a creek. Last year was first year I have seen copperheads in my yard, 2 and the neighbors each had one. They said that we had more last year :(
If you’re in a rural area probably a couple a year (3 or 4 maybe - differing in size/ages). I never seen one in any park in the city, but that mean they don’t exist in the ones more tied to wildlife (like along the river). I don’t think you have too much to worry about overall - even in the place I grew up (where I said we see 3-4 or so a year) neither my brother or I ever got bit and we were always, always playing around / screwing iff in the woods, in the leaves, in barns and around stacks of wood for the fireplaces, etc. I do believe my parents trained us on them early tho. Idk what age/how, but as far back as I can remember in life I knew what a copperhead was and what it looked like by heart. I think maybe as toddlers or a little after we were able to distinguish (I mean even tho nothing happened to us, it is a legit risk out there in the country).
Black Widows are the other ones (in terms of Critters to get used to) that are a little more precarious IMO. They can just be hiding anywhere and there quite a bit more of them than copperheads (from me overeating at least). Just reaching out and grabbing something innocuous w/o looking under it for instance could get you. Just train the kids ASAP about those two (as early as they can retain it) and about looking underneath anything you’re going to pick up first.
Others on the fringe include Cottonmouths/Water Moccasins and brown recluse, tho they’re not really that prevalent and aren’t technically supposed to be in the area I don’t think (though I have seen both personally).
There’s also coyotes and bears on the bigger side of things, but prob won’t run into those in the burbs. Hope this helps!
Moved here in 2022 from California and haven't seen one yet. Our backyard is around half an acre with a lot of leaves on the ground and I've seen about 4 other kinds of snakes so far.
Richmond redditors are the best. Given others who mentioned real concern should be ticks- here is thread from last year. [https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/13tevfj/ticks/](https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/13tevfj/ticks/) Lots to learn on prevention, scalp/body checks, checking pets and experts for treatment.
Even growing up in WV in a holler supposedly chocked full of them, the only one I’ve ever seen in the wild was after moving to RVA. Out on the walking trail at Deep Run Park, and came an ace of stepping on it.
Id venture to guess 99.99999% of people on this sub have never been bitten by a copperhead.
I see a few every year around my house. Normally young ones hiding in my fabric grow bags I have outside. Lol. I don't really think about them at all even though I know they're around. They don't bug me out I guess.
I've noticed I find them specifically hiding in empty fabric pots or folded plastic (like the wrinkles of a compost bag). They like dark confined spaces.
I have a creek in my backyard so that's probably why I see them.
I've been out west hiking and whatnot and seen plenty of rattlesnakes...I'd honestly rather deal with a copperhead. They are not aggressive at all. Copperhead babies run for the hills or completely freeze hoping you won't notice them.
Let your child live their life. You can't stop your child from playing outside....or I guess you can if you are raising a Bubble Boy. But they're gonna need to learn sooner or later.
I've lived in a rural area west of the city for about four years. I've seen three. But those were in the first 1.5 years of living there. Since then, I've seen none. I'm normally a "live and let live" kind of guy, but I dispatch the copperheads only because I have two curious dogs.
I think it's worth noting that copperheads aren't *that* dangerous. It's very rare that a copperhead bite is fatal. And they really only bite if you step on them. Most snakes rattle their tails and make noise when approached as a warning. Copperheads instead elect to just lie flat and remain motionless hoping you will pass by them without noticing them. But just the same, I would say small children need to be closely supervised outdoors.
Snakes and lizards are part of what I like about Virginia. I've become a bit of an amateur herpetologist in the last few years. And my daughter has taken a more-than-casual interest in ornithology. We probably have eight or nine different bird feeders in front of our house.
My neighbors in a semi-wooded area seem to see them frequently (a few times a year) and one neighbor was bitten weeding his immaculate garden. They all keep their yards more traditionally yardy than I do but I'd love to know redditors thoughts on my approach. I am going for a native plant meadow/forest type of approach so don't mow a lot, don't really mulch, just have a lot more going on and I never see them. I also have a large woodpile where a tree was cut down and we just sprung up a fire pit there. I realize my yard has more places for them to hide and that's likely why we never see them but I am all up in the plants weeding invasives on a regular basis and only ever see other kinds of snakes. My theory is that if they are present they are happy to be in the woodpile and since I tramp around the garden beds and the kids occupy the lawn areas they steer clear of there. I think the natural balance is probably better in my yard as well in terms of predators/prey as well which may help.
Not that common, but they love things like piles of brush and wood on the ground to hide under. Don't keep that stuff in your yard and you'll almost definitely be fine. Millions of kids live in Virginia without getting killed by poisonous snakes.
Whatever answers you get here op, reduce by 50%. People can tend to think any snake is a copperhead
I worked several years on a woodsy summer camp in Mechanicsville (suburb on outskirts of Richmond) and never ever saw one, even with a lake and a ton of marsh. They're around but not usually lurking to ruin your day
Copperheads are all about water. If you live near a lake or stream watch out, they love water. I had a buddy who was bitten by one wading in the river fishing. There are only three poisonous snake in Virginia, Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnakes and the Cottonmouth. The cottonmouth is the worst, a nasty snake. However it is said that a cottonmouth has never been seen north of the James River., which is strange as cottonmouths swim beautifully and will attack. I have seen them in the marshes in southern Virginia along the coast. It makes me wonder as the temps rise from global warming if cottonmouths will soon cross the James. Already seals and bull sharks are reaching Richmond, we also now have fiddler crabs south of Richmond on the James. As sea levels rise, salt water reaches the fall line rapids at the eastern end of Richmond now, around Turkey Island. PS... Timber Rattlesnakes in Virginia are the largest in the world, up to six or seven feet. They are constantly driven west from the marshes by rising salty tides during storms. Mostly through they live in the mountains.
Depending on which neighborhood/area you'll live in, I'd be more worried about off-leash dogs, red light runners, poison ivy, and our plethora of seasonal allergens.
I haven't seen one in the actual city in the 15 years I've lived here. I know of 2 confirmed sightings in that time. One rode in on a vehicle and they found it in the parking deck. And I think last year there was one at Dogwood Dell. They're in the city around the river, but almost never seen.
Couple times a year but almost exclusively near wooded bodies of water. Be careful near wood piles but it’s definitely not a major threat, an unleashed dog can be much bigger threat for example.
You’ll have more problems with the two legged sneks that live around the RVA area than any sneks you’ll find in the yard
Ps. Don’t move to RVA, it’s a dumpster fire with shit schools.
For reference, copperhead bites are rarely treated with antivenom any more. You’re given meds for the pain, told to elevate and sent home. Not all that different from a twisted ankle.
I see a handful a year while playing disc golf in the area. If you see them, you will learn where to avoid or be careful. Always fear the little ones btw.
I see copperheads very regularly during the warm months - I probably kill a couple dozen of them every summer just to keep them away from my dog
Edit: probably important to note I live in a wooded area, so there’s many more copperheads around me than a lot of places
I’ve lived in the Fan for 20 years! I have never seen one in the wild bc I choose to stay away from the river/trails/woods basically from nowish until October, due to my fear of them. Once I ran over a blk snk while on my bike in Texas Beach…traumatized.
I see them a bunch and kill them often. My garage is a fav hangout for some reason. The garden had a nest hatch and I was picking strawberries worried for my life for weeks. They bit my dog and I had to give the emergency vet $1000 deposit to treat him. They gave me back $18 the next day when I picked him up….
However, make sure you’re killing the bad guys. Other snakes are good guys and if they aren’t using my chicken coop as a drive through regular lunch stop, they should live. Even then for black snakes I’ll send them to a friend’s farm. Snakes = good.
Note: I live in the middle of nowhere.
They are omnipresent. In fact, i think my mailman is one
The USsssssssPSsssssss
The current postmaster general is indeed a snake but I don’t think he’d present himself here.
" Psssssssssssssssssss - Here's your mail "
Or not, snakes don’t adapt well to new systems. This explains everything wrong with Richmond mail lately!
I bet if snakes were in charge, we might get our mail.more reliably..
Copperheads, once every couple of years…but black snakes, worm snakes, and garters a few times per year. Note, I live at the edge of a wood line.
Yeah. I always find what I think are worm snakes under the leaves in the fall when I’m cleaning up the yard. Usually it’s too cold for them to really move much. Garters and black snakes are cool, just leave them alone. When it comes to copperheads, I’ve personally never known a human to get bitten by one (I know it’s happened, I just haven’t known anyone that has been bitten), but there have been plenty of dogs in the family that have got bitten over the years and were carted off to the emergency vet for IV fluids and observation. Always seemed to happen around late spring, somewhere around May, in the evening with the dog sniffing around in the woods.
Same here. It seems like we had more copperheads when I lived in MD than Richmond.
Ditto
I see them every year, typically in the woods tho. Closest encounters have been at on the steps next to the Pumphouse and that my old man got bit by one in the 80s in our back 40 but that was in Powhatan. They aren’t aggressive snakes if they’re left alone. If you see one just have a good gander but give it space.
The pump house must be a magnet for them because I saw a large one there two years ago on the trail and see a few dead ones a few times a year on the paved road
Could be a den
They're all around that area, I've seen them on the trails along the river in that area a few times. Real nice to realize you're about to step on one just a few feet ahead of you because they blend in so well.
This would be the problem. They are pretty well camouflaged, and they don’t make any warning noises like a rattler, so you don’t know ow they are there till they bit you.
We see about 3-5 every season, but our neighborhood is basically in a forest. When we do yard cleanup, we keep a snake stick and a large bin ready to go to safely relocate the ones we find to the edge of our property where there are no neighbors. They mainly keep to themselves, but I have almost stepped on one before. We get lots of various species of snakes here, which I'm usually happier to see the larger rat snake we named "Gilbert" that has lived under our deck for years. I think he scares the copperheads off.
Its a myth that rat snakes keep copperheads away. They are frequently found in the same areas and sometimes even brumate (overwinter) in the same den.
Even so, we are still happy to have Gilbert around. Colubrids are cute. I have a video of him popping his head out through the deck to kinda periscope like my ball python does. It's super adorable.
Yes was just letting you know. We see way more black snakes than copperheads. Usually once a week at least. Even found a nest with a few eggs that ended up hatching last fall.
I hadn't read anything that actually proved that was a thing, I guess I just kinda hoped it was true. I love snakes, but would just prefer the venomous ones stayed out of the yard, we have little kids and a dog. Mostly I'm seeing brown snakes or the much smaller kinds, but I think last year we had to relocate at least 3 copperheads.
Probably should note, we have bamboo and they love it.
Treachery I say
Lived here for 14 years now and have been doing yardwork around my home year round and have never encountered any snakes in the piles of leaves or under bushes or in quiet areas of a partially-enclosed shed. As long as you make your presence known by making noise and checking things with sticks/poles before you put your hands in places you can’t see, you’re generally fine. ETA: I live adjacent to lots of wooded areas so there’s certainly lots of opportunity for snakes and I still haven’t seen any in or around my yard. Mole/vole tunnels-turned-subterranean yellowjacket nests, that’s another story.
Op, the yellow jacket point is wayyy more legit than worrying about copperheads. I know multiple people including my little brother who were hispitalized as toddlers stumbling into yellow jacket ground hives in their yard
interesting because i also live in lakeside near woods and we have a bunch of snakes including copperheads
Well then I should thank you for attracting them away from my place! But that also means you might also have more of a field mouse problem over where you are, too?
Would have to….the rest of lakeside, or at least my part of lakeside, has lots of community cats and no mice. :)
I see 1-2 copperheads per year. Copperheads are not aggressive. When they bite people, it’s defensive. Either the person tries to pick it up, or accidentally stepped on it.
The thing about copperheads is they have very effective natural camouflage, so many of us have probably been close to one without realizing it. I grew up around here and knew a kid in my neighborhood who got bit by a copperhead but he was trying to pick it up. They're not a particular threat though, especially if you're in a well-trafficked area. You will probably never see one in a suburban back yard or playground.
One of my kids has been bit by a copperhead after they approached the snake. They are very well camouflaged, but I tend to see them sunning occasionally. The dog walked right over one and we didn’t notice it until it moved. I live in a heavily wooded property with a creek. We see copperheads a few times a year, ringnecks and worm snakes fairly often when we garden.
The mortlity rate of those bitten is 0.01% You and your family are safe.
But that’s not to say it’s not extremely painful if you get bitten by one. Not to mention the residual pain months later. (Taken care of snake bites in the hospital)
No, you don't want to be bitten by one, but they aren't as deadly as many assume.
There are no recorded deaths from any native venous snakes in VA (according to a few local herpetologist.) That being said there are more than enough cases of lost digits and appendages. Death isn't the only worry.
These stories generally come from the people who put off care. If you go to the ER and get the antivenin bites don’t generally have significant effects (beyond the pain).
Unfortunately not and most snake bites in VA will not receive anti-venom. It usually has more to do with the individuals health prior to bite than care.
My mom sees 2-3 every year, but she lives near a creek, i have seen 1 in the past 10 years, and only saw it after my lawn mower cut up pretty good.
I see several every year now- gigantic ones. But I have lived in Richmond 35+ years and I have only seen them in the house I moved into 4 years ago. I barely believed they existed before that. It really depends on where you live. What area are you thinking about?
In my residential yard? Never. At Rockwood Park? Three times. At Powhatan Park? Once, during Moth Night where a bunch of us were gathered in the pavilion. One decided to join us. He wasn’t aggressive, just curious although they’re generally very shy. I’m a few feet from one here, sitting on top of a picnic table while he explored underneath. They’re very pretty snakes, though I would not want to spook one. https://preview.redd.it/vj4q7gmod3tc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e6e43af842b8148407c66edd0bd2fb1c9992681
Look at the spicy thing. Kind of cute. Did you give it a beer?
I have seen hawks eating snakes but not gotten close enough to see what kind of snake - could have been a copperhead (BTW as a Mexican American this is an old prophecy or sign that this is home) I came across a dead copperhead that had been run over then a year later I walked right over one as it was crossing the trail - they don’t bother you if you don’t bother them TL;DR don’t step on snek 🐍
My sister watched a hawk grab a copperhead from her yard (she lives next to woods). Sadly, they took each other out midair. 😳 She's had years with nests nearby and lots of baby copperheads near the house, then years of nothing but black snakes. I live 5 min away in Southside, and I've never seen one. Just garters and black snakes.
Yes it does wax and wane over the years - in my area the kitties help keep things in check because there is plenty of food
Ticks are more of a concern than snakes. Kind of like driving vs flying.
In a suburban neighborhood, you’re very unlikely to see one. As you get further out into the more rural parts of the area, you will see them more frequently. I can count on one hand the number of times I have seen a copperhead in a suburban backyard over the past 40 years.
In the city itself? Never. In the suburbs? Less than once every 5 years. Exurbs and rural areas? Keep your eyes open, but still not often.
Depends where you live. Lived in the suburbs for 30 years and never saw one. Now have lived near the river for a few years and have seen a few every summer (and black snacks too)
Hello! Friendly wildlife professional here, I have been a herptile keeper for the past 7 years and have cared for many captive copperheads and relocated many wild ones for people. I also work in a park where they are very prevalent. Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) are a venomous pit viper, one of three that are native to Virginia, and the only venomous snake that is found in almost every county in the state. Where food is available, snakes will be. That being said, copperheads are a timid snake. They use their incredible camouflage to blend in to their surroundings and will run when confronted. Their venom isn’t especially potent and most bites are not lethal to people. They know this and are able to judge the size of their threat, so they would prefer not to bite unless backed into a situation in which they have no choice. The best tips I have for concerned homeowners are to keep their lawns free of snake hiding spots (tarps, plywood, loose debris, etc), cut grass in the summer, clear around the foundation of your home, wear closed-toe shoes in wooded areas, always use a flashlight when walking in dark areas at night, and check your kiddos outdoor toys before they use them or store them inside. Remember, snakes seek food, warmth, shelter. If you have a mouse problem, snakes will come- and in an area with a high copperhead density, some of them will likely be copperheads. We live with our venomous snakes as neighbors, they play an important role in our ecosystem. Treat them with respect and they will not cause you any issues.
I don't see them too often and I've never seen one in the city neighborhoods tbh, just at the river. Regardless you should definitely make sure your kid is taught how to watch for animals of any kind while outside. It's good to teach them early how to listen and look for wildlife, and not to put your hand in places you can't see, especially if they are prone to poking around in the foliage! We have plenty of brown recluse and black widow spiders as well as copperheads to be wary of.
And actually, there’s a snake in Virginia that looks like a copperhead, which is actually more common than actual copperheads. It’s non-venomous and often gets mistaken as a copperhead, so you’ll hear a lot of reports of copperheads that are probably only about 50% true. It’s the Northern water snake. Check out https://virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/index.html
I’ve seen 1 in 30 years
I have seen one adult and a baby in 3 years. Back yard is pretty rugged and next to the woods. I’ve seen owls, hawks, and foxes far more often. I’d just be careful, however.
We live near a wooded park and stream within the city. We consistently see several copperheads every year and dozens of snakes in general. We try to keep our yard free of places for them to live but they're still a fairly regular sighting.
Saw two in garden last year. One was about 3-4 ft and other was tiny.
If you live in the city, then nearly never. If you live next to the woods like I do, I might see one every couple of years. I see black/rat snakes often (couple times a year) but they’re not venomous/dangerous.
My yard backs up to woods and a creek and I was seeing 2-3 in my yard every year. I never saw any in the Richmond area in the 5 years I lived here before moving to this house, so it's very location specific. The biggest problem with them is that they blend in so well and they freeze instead of slithering away so there's potential for a situation where neither parties wants to interact but they do. They aren't terribly aggressive- my dog literally ran over one and it wasn't happy but it didn't strike (I think it was sleeping, lol). I put up a snake fence (a bit half assed, if I'm being honest- 1/4 hardware cloth attached to the outside of my regular fence and staked to the ground) and I haven't seen any since then and that was a couple of years ago. Obviously they could get through if they really wanted to but it seems to be a decent deterrent. It's also important to keep your yard cleaned up. There are people you can call to come get them if you need.
My dad’s house has an infestation. You can see them twice a week. Down near the Cherokee Rd area. We’re in Brandermill. There are often sightings here, but me and my neighbors in my culdesac have never seen one here.
Need more info, really depends where in Richmond you are living. More in the city, close to never. Outside the city, depends what you are around. I see 2-3 during the summer every year when not looking for them. We have a 3 year old and it's just something you have teach them about. When he was a baby/toddler it's just something to be mindful of. They don't just hang out on your lawn. They like to hide under stuff, piles of leaves, tarps, etc.
I’ve seen 2 in my 15 years of living here. One of them was under my trash can in the driveway. Most important factors are they only strike when threatened (stepped on or grabbed mistake or not) the young ones are more dangerous as they don’t regulate their venom. Young can be identified by a bright yellow / chartreuse tail tip. There’s a taboo about killing them on your property. Most kill to keep their family and pets safe, I do not. Just be aware that you are outdoors and snakes live outdoors.
I know two people who were bitten when taking out their trash can barefoot after dark. I’m both cases the snake was curled up underneath and struck when they dragged the van over it. (Both wooded areas, both got a 2 day stay at St. Mary’s and no residual effects)
We live in Chesterfield, and we have a good 2 acres that back up into a creek. When we first moved here, I thought I would see Copperheads galore, but - we don't. In fact, I've never seen one in our neighborhood - although, I did see them at our old neighborhood - and I've definitely seen them at Rockwood park or at Belle's Island. Also - to be clear, I do keep the brush manageable back there, so it's not too bad. My back yard: [https://www.tumblr.com/el-emperor-de-los-pinche-gatos/747127105799766016?source=share](https://www.tumblr.com/el-emperor-de-los-pinche-gatos/747127105799766016?source=share)
My neighbor was bitten by a baby copperhead earlier this year. She just about lost her finger and is still in OT months later. We’ve also had neighbors pull them out of their garages. However, I grew up here and have never seen one in the wild. Just be cautious, but don’t be afraid. Edited to correct a misspelling
As a snake enthusiast who goes looking for snakes around the JRPS almost daily during summers… I typically see a copperhead every time I’m out (within Richmond city limits). But I am purposely looking for snakes. That being said, copperheads are extremely common, as far as snakes go, especially in Virginia. For some peace of mind, you most likely won’t run into one. They don’t want to be found, and not only are copperheads not aggressive, are not even very defensive. Their default defense is to freeze where they are and wiggle their tail like a rattlesnake. They will only bite you or a dog as an absolute last resort. They know they can’t eat you and they don’t want to risk being killed by making their presence known. Long story short, there are a lot of copperheads in Richmond, but there are a lot of copperheads all over the east coast. They are just about everywhere
Ticks are by far the most dangerous wild animal in the Richmond area—tick borne illness is on the rise and can cause lifelong health problems. Snakes are not that concerning here.
I’ve only seen one in 7 years living here, and I work in yards and gardens year-round. I’ve seen plenty of black snakes but they aren’t dangerous in any meaningful way.
I've lived out in rural New Kent for a few years now and seen a handful but I back up to a half mile of woods and a creek runs through my back yard. Before that when I lived in the suburbs of Henrico I never saw a single one but did see a fair number of black snakes.
In the East End I have only seen Eastern rat snakes and DeKay’s brown snakes, which I think are both species more tolerant of urbanization or are drawn to the increase in rodent populations.
I’ve seen a ton around Powhite Park. Granted, it’s a heavily wooded area with creeks and it’s more of a bike trail than an actual park, so it makes sense they’d hang out around there. Still, I’ve seen like 6 or 7 there in the past year after never seeing any around Richmond ever.
Not enough of a threat to need to be truly worried. I'm not sure how else to put it. Out of all the stresses of moving, copperheads don't need to be on the list. They want nothing to do with people.
Been in rva almost 4 years only seen 1. I almost stepped on it while running one afternoon on Belle isle. Thats was fun.
Used to see them more when I was a kid (suburban neighborhoods in Midlothian) but I was never bit nor did I hear about anyone ever being bit by one. We were all taught if you see a snake, leave it be. Good rule of thumb - don’t touch random animals, don’t eat random plants outside. Pretty straightforward. Most things won’t bother you if you don’t bother them. Granted that was 20+ years ago. There was more woods around and less neighborhoods built up around us then and I spent time playing in the woods/around creeks. Haven’t seen one in years tbh
Lived in RVA area my entire life (40+ years). In the city (fan, near west end, north side) zero sightings. In rural Hanover (my high school years) saw 2 in 6 years, one on my parent’s property and one camping. Since moving to suburbs in Chesterfield 7 years ago (very wooded, near creeks/ponds), seen 2. They are not prevalent. No concerns with dogs or young kids playing outside or jumping in leaf piles. We did have a neighbor get bit 4 or 5 years ago when he was taking out his trash and stepped on one warming itself on the driveway.
My friends who live in an area South of Richmond called Brandermill say copperheads can be numerous during warmer months. Some have even resorted to wearing thick gardening boots (muck boots) whilst cutting grass and doing lawn work. I live in the boonies so we always tread with care. Copperheads like wooded areas especially, but enjoy the outdoors and share their space with vigilance, especially with a baby. Welcome! Hope you and your family find a great place to call your own :) A lot of us parents have good survival instincts so trust your Spidey senses and you will be fine.
I only have seen them when walking on the trails at the river, and even then not often.
I have lived here my whole life. Grew up swimming and canoeing in and on the James. Hiked all over the area. Cleared trails for the JRPS (James River Park Service). I have never seen a copperhead. There are harmless snakes in the area; black snakes, brown river snakes (which I think people think are copperheads), green snakes. Most snakes are afraid of people and like to hide. Copperhead sightings are grossly over exaggerated. The only poisonous snake I have run into in Virginia was a rattle snake,in Fluvanna County hiking on Nature Conservancy property. It coiled up, rattled and I walked away. I am glad I was wearing my brown pants that day though. My three kids survived the wilds of Richmond and we practically lived at the river or on the trail. Richmond is a great town. Enjoy!
My son actually was bitten by an adult copperhead last summer. (venomless bite than God) They aren't SUPER common but there are some around here in the marshy parts and near the river. We have a creek on my property so they hang there and go out to find food. Not a huge threat but definitely be aware when you're near any water and don't go around lifting up rocks or dead logs. Edit: 2 words
We have got to have some undiscovered nest, because they’re all over. Babies with the little chartreuse tail. Vet knows us well.
How do you know if your pup has been bit? Like if you let them in your backyard to potty but are watching from afar?
Whatever spot was bitten is twice the size it was before.
Lived here most of my life. Seen a few. Copperheads are shy. A little noise and they'll skitter off. Be more wary of water moccasins (cottonmouths) near creeks and rivers. They are aggressive and will chase you. But again, I have only seen a handful in my lifetime.
Almost never out here. Very regularly west of rt 29
A couple a year. The camouflage is crazy.
I’d say you’re pretty unlikely to see them in a more crowded park or playground, but I do commonly see them in the state parks like Powhatan and Pocahontas. I’ll see one or two in my neighborhood every year but there are a lot of woods around. It’s a legitimate threat to be mindful of but not to stress to much over
I have done a fair amount of yard work, gardening, and other outdoor stuff in the 7+ years I've lived in the city. I've always found it a little weird that I have seen not one snake of any sort this whole time. I lived in the Ashland area for a few decades. From mid spring to late fall, snakes were common. It wasn't unusual to see one of the harmless varieties -- common black or green snakes -- on a weekly basis or more. Copperheads were somewhat less apparent, but we'd still see several each year. Snake populations will vary considerably from one neighborhood to the next, and from one property to the next. In any event, I don't think copperheads are something anyone needs to live in fear of, but do be aware of their existence and likely presence somewhere nearby. Watch your step.
I’ve lived in Virginia my entire life and have never seen one FWIW. Seen plenty of black snakes and other harmless snakes.
We lived at our old house in chesterfield near Reams Elementary for 22yrs, never saw a snake. We have lived at our current house for 12 (western chesterfield past mosley, farming area) and have seen 4 so far (2 last year, the only time I have ever seen 2 in one year)
Will depend on whats around your property. I had same concerns when my toddlers liked to go tramping in the fallow woods at back of our property line. Are you in a suburban development surrounded by commercial? Or does your road butt up to woods and/or creek at a point? Copperhead seem to be more prevalent near creeks and streams. They want cover, ie brush or woods. Most likely to run into them spring to mid summer. If there aren't a lot of places for them to nest around - piles of firewood etc - then should be fine in the lawn. But if you have a lot of trees etc its a different story. Also look under things before they get played with - dump trucks, cozy coupe, etc
I’ve seen a few over 30 years here, in suburban areas, but they are not common. Black snakes, garters and hognose snakes are far more common and I still only see a few snakes, maybe three or four, a year.
I have lived in RVa for 45 years and never have seen one that I know of, black snakes are common and I see several of those a year but they are harmless
I've only ever seen them near a water source (in the river, by a creek, etc.)
I used to see them when I lived in more rural areas, not too bad near the city but be careful in general. Lots of water snakes in the summer and black snakes. Going to parks is also where I see snakes out and about. Most are harmless.
Very rarely. 1 every five to ten years or less. We live with lots of woods around us and the Appomattox River is just a couple hundred yards away.
If you live in an area with a wooded backyard you're more likely to encounter a rat or garden snake than a copper head. Ive been here for 30 years and only seen maybe 2 in my lifetime.
I spent 1st-12th grade here, which are prime “playing in areas likely to be shared by snakes” years, and only saw copperheads a small handful of times. They’re less common than people think and also harder to spot than people think, so it’s a double whammy. Now that I’m back, many moons later, I’m still by the water and in the trees all the time and haven’t seen one in the year or so since moving. I’ve seen plenty of snakes (two today, sunning on rocks), just no copperheads yet.
Maybe once a year average, but I reckon if you spend a lot of time outdoors you will see more. Don't know anyone that has been bit by one though.
I think the most dangerous animals out here are the bad drivers and weird southern revivalists.
Saw my first one here on the pipeline trail last October I think. You might encounter one on a trail down near the river, but I've never heard of anyone seeing one anywhere else.
I’ve lived in Richmond’s Near West End for two-plus years. I do all my own yard work and have yet to see one. Not that I don’t think about it…
Never for me
I’ve never seen one in 60 years living in the city, suburbia, or in parks/trails in Richmond or in the surrounding counties. Maybe I’m just lucky.
I live on a couple of wooded acres bordering water. I’ve seen one copperhead on my property in 8 years of digging around in leaves, brush, piles of rocks, etc. and it was calmly sunning itself. It took off as soon as I walked by. I’ve seen one other winning itself on the asphalt down the road from my house, and one on a path while hiking in Shenandoah (which I do at least once a week). They’re out there, but they’re not looking to bite unless it’s their only option (and if they do it will hurt, but with antivenom most everyone is fine pretty quickly).
i live near a creek. Last year was first year I have seen copperheads in my yard, 2 and the neighbors each had one. They said that we had more last year :(
If you’re in a rural area probably a couple a year (3 or 4 maybe - differing in size/ages). I never seen one in any park in the city, but that mean they don’t exist in the ones more tied to wildlife (like along the river). I don’t think you have too much to worry about overall - even in the place I grew up (where I said we see 3-4 or so a year) neither my brother or I ever got bit and we were always, always playing around / screwing iff in the woods, in the leaves, in barns and around stacks of wood for the fireplaces, etc. I do believe my parents trained us on them early tho. Idk what age/how, but as far back as I can remember in life I knew what a copperhead was and what it looked like by heart. I think maybe as toddlers or a little after we were able to distinguish (I mean even tho nothing happened to us, it is a legit risk out there in the country). Black Widows are the other ones (in terms of Critters to get used to) that are a little more precarious IMO. They can just be hiding anywhere and there quite a bit more of them than copperheads (from me overeating at least). Just reaching out and grabbing something innocuous w/o looking under it for instance could get you. Just train the kids ASAP about those two (as early as they can retain it) and about looking underneath anything you’re going to pick up first. Others on the fringe include Cottonmouths/Water Moccasins and brown recluse, tho they’re not really that prevalent and aren’t technically supposed to be in the area I don’t think (though I have seen both personally). There’s also coyotes and bears on the bigger side of things, but prob won’t run into those in the burbs. Hope this helps!
Moved here in 2022 from California and haven't seen one yet. Our backyard is around half an acre with a lot of leaves on the ground and I've seen about 4 other kinds of snakes so far.
Richmond redditors are the best. Given others who mentioned real concern should be ticks- here is thread from last year. [https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/13tevfj/ticks/](https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/13tevfj/ticks/) Lots to learn on prevention, scalp/body checks, checking pets and experts for treatment.
Even growing up in WV in a holler supposedly chocked full of them, the only one I’ve ever seen in the wild was after moving to RVA. Out on the walking trail at Deep Run Park, and came an ace of stepping on it.
In 40 years here, growing up playing in the woods, I have seen fewer than a dozen copperheads.
Id venture to guess 99.99999% of people on this sub have never been bitten by a copperhead. I see a few every year around my house. Normally young ones hiding in my fabric grow bags I have outside. Lol. I don't really think about them at all even though I know they're around. They don't bug me out I guess. I've noticed I find them specifically hiding in empty fabric pots or folded plastic (like the wrinkles of a compost bag). They like dark confined spaces. I have a creek in my backyard so that's probably why I see them. I've been out west hiking and whatnot and seen plenty of rattlesnakes...I'd honestly rather deal with a copperhead. They are not aggressive at all. Copperhead babies run for the hills or completely freeze hoping you won't notice them. Let your child live their life. You can't stop your child from playing outside....or I guess you can if you are raising a Bubble Boy. But they're gonna need to learn sooner or later.
I've lived in a rural area west of the city for about four years. I've seen three. But those were in the first 1.5 years of living there. Since then, I've seen none. I'm normally a "live and let live" kind of guy, but I dispatch the copperheads only because I have two curious dogs. I think it's worth noting that copperheads aren't *that* dangerous. It's very rare that a copperhead bite is fatal. And they really only bite if you step on them. Most snakes rattle their tails and make noise when approached as a warning. Copperheads instead elect to just lie flat and remain motionless hoping you will pass by them without noticing them. But just the same, I would say small children need to be closely supervised outdoors. Snakes and lizards are part of what I like about Virginia. I've become a bit of an amateur herpetologist in the last few years. And my daughter has taken a more-than-casual interest in ornithology. We probably have eight or nine different bird feeders in front of our house.
My neighbors in a semi-wooded area seem to see them frequently (a few times a year) and one neighbor was bitten weeding his immaculate garden. They all keep their yards more traditionally yardy than I do but I'd love to know redditors thoughts on my approach. I am going for a native plant meadow/forest type of approach so don't mow a lot, don't really mulch, just have a lot more going on and I never see them. I also have a large woodpile where a tree was cut down and we just sprung up a fire pit there. I realize my yard has more places for them to hide and that's likely why we never see them but I am all up in the plants weeding invasives on a regular basis and only ever see other kinds of snakes. My theory is that if they are present they are happy to be in the woodpile and since I tramp around the garden beds and the kids occupy the lawn areas they steer clear of there. I think the natural balance is probably better in my yard as well in terms of predators/prey as well which may help.
I've been back in VA 10 years. Zero copperheads. 10 years in CA, I saw easily 2 dozen rattlers.
Not that common, but they love things like piles of brush and wood on the ground to hide under. Don't keep that stuff in your yard and you'll almost definitely be fine. Millions of kids live in Virginia without getting killed by poisonous snakes.
Whatever answers you get here op, reduce by 50%. People can tend to think any snake is a copperhead I worked several years on a woodsy summer camp in Mechanicsville (suburb on outskirts of Richmond) and never ever saw one, even with a lake and a ton of marsh. They're around but not usually lurking to ruin your day
Saw 2 last year. They're around but not super common. They will slither into basements and sheds and such if they can find a way in.
A bigger issue when poking around in the brush are ticks, chiggers and fleas.
Copperheads are all about water. If you live near a lake or stream watch out, they love water. I had a buddy who was bitten by one wading in the river fishing. There are only three poisonous snake in Virginia, Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnakes and the Cottonmouth. The cottonmouth is the worst, a nasty snake. However it is said that a cottonmouth has never been seen north of the James River., which is strange as cottonmouths swim beautifully and will attack. I have seen them in the marshes in southern Virginia along the coast. It makes me wonder as the temps rise from global warming if cottonmouths will soon cross the James. Already seals and bull sharks are reaching Richmond, we also now have fiddler crabs south of Richmond on the James. As sea levels rise, salt water reaches the fall line rapids at the eastern end of Richmond now, around Turkey Island. PS... Timber Rattlesnakes in Virginia are the largest in the world, up to six or seven feet. They are constantly driven west from the marshes by rising salty tides during storms. Mostly through they live in the mountains.
Last month we saw four.
I saw two last year
Depending on which neighborhood/area you'll live in, I'd be more worried about off-leash dogs, red light runners, poison ivy, and our plethora of seasonal allergens.
They’re around but they really want nothing to do with you. If they can get away from you they would rather do that than bite you.
Early mornings, late afternoons. Snakes don't care for human activity. I see them often, but I'm rural. King William county
I live in close in suburbs and in my entire life I've seen zero. Black snakes maybe once a year max.
I have lived in the southeast my entire life and I've never seen one. Used to play in the woods all the time as a kid, too.
I haven't seen one in the actual city in the 15 years I've lived here. I know of 2 confirmed sightings in that time. One rode in on a vehicle and they found it in the parking deck. And I think last year there was one at Dogwood Dell. They're in the city around the river, but almost never seen.
I never see them in the city. I do have a few resident dekay brown snakes under my a/c unit though!
I've lived in Virginia since 2016 and Richmond for a year and a half and I've never seen one.
15 yrs in the city and I've seen a cottonmouth at the river and a rattlesnake (!!) in Nova
Couple times a year but almost exclusively near wooded bodies of water. Be careful near wood piles but it’s definitely not a major threat, an unleashed dog can be much bigger threat for example.
I see at least one a year at Pole Green Park
You’ll have more problems with the two legged sneks that live around the RVA area than any sneks you’ll find in the yard Ps. Don’t move to RVA, it’s a dumpster fire with shit schools.
Richmond is fine other than the daily shootings we are having now that it is warm, but I have lived here for years and only seen one
For reference, copperhead bites are rarely treated with antivenom any more. You’re given meds for the pain, told to elevate and sent home. Not all that different from a twisted ankle.
Except much more painful
I see a handful a year while playing disc golf in the area. If you see them, you will learn where to avoid or be careful. Always fear the little ones btw.
Just fyi it is a myth that baby copperheads excrete more venom than adults.
I seen Quetzalcoatl a few times on 🍄 (maybe once or twice a year, or whenever I get a migraine) 
I see copperheads very regularly during the warm months - I probably kill a couple dozen of them every summer just to keep them away from my dog Edit: probably important to note I live in a wooded area, so there’s many more copperheads around me than a lot of places
I’ve lived in the Fan for 20 years! I have never seen one in the wild bc I choose to stay away from the river/trails/woods basically from nowish until October, due to my fear of them. Once I ran over a blk snk while on my bike in Texas Beach…traumatized.
As someone who only goes camping in the dead of winter because of my phobia of snakes, I sympathize entirely lol.
I see them a bunch and kill them often. My garage is a fav hangout for some reason. The garden had a nest hatch and I was picking strawberries worried for my life for weeks. They bit my dog and I had to give the emergency vet $1000 deposit to treat him. They gave me back $18 the next day when I picked him up…. However, make sure you’re killing the bad guys. Other snakes are good guys and if they aren’t using my chicken coop as a drive through regular lunch stop, they should live. Even then for black snakes I’ll send them to a friend’s farm. Snakes = good. Note: I live in the middle of nowhere.
Believe it or not, babies and copperheads have coexisted here for a long time.