Copperhead snakes are venomous pit vipers found throughout the eastern and central United States. They get their name from the coppery color of their head. Copperheads have hemotoxic venom that can cause severe tissue damage in humans if bitten. This has led some people to wonder – can you actually eat a copperhead snake? Is the meat safe for human consumption if properly prepared? Or is eating copperheads simply too dangerous given the potent venom they harbor?
Are Copperheads Venomous?
Yes, copperheads are venomous snakes. They have specialized hollow fangs through which they can inject hemotoxic venom into their prey or aggressors. Copperhead venom contains various toxins and enzymes that break down blood cells, cellular membranes, muscle tissues, and other proteins. This can lead to systemic effects throughout the body including:
- Severe pain at the bite site
- Swelling and bruising spreading outward from the bite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Numbness and tingling sensations
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Bleeding abnormalities
- Tissue damage and possible necrosis around the bite
- Kidney failure in severe cases
If left untreated, copperhead bites can be fatal, especially in young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. However, deaths are rare if proper first aid and antivenom treatment are administered.
So in short – yes copperheads should be assumed to be highly venomous snakes capable of inflicting serious harm to humans via their bite.
Venom Potency Compared to Other Snakes
Copperhead venom is less potent than some other pit viper species like rattlesnakes and cottonmouths. Comparatively, the venom of copperheads has about one-tenth the toxicity of Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes.
However, this does not mean copperhead bites are harmless. They can still cause severe reactions that require prompt medical treatment. Some key points regarding copperhead venom potency:
- Copperheads have less toxic venom than cottonmouths and rattlesnakes
- The venom is relatively mild compared to black mambas, taipans, and other deadly elapid snakes
- Each bite contains around 4-6 mg of venom on average
- Adult copperheads can control how much venom they inject when biting
- Bites to extremities like hands and feet are usually less severe than bites to the torso
- Multiple bites in rapid succession can increase venom dose and toxicity
So while less potent than some snakes, copperhead venom is by no means harmless and should still be treated as a potentially deadly threat.
Would Cooking Neutralize the Venom?
Unfortunately, cooking does not completely neutralize snake venoms. The various toxins and enzymes in copperhead venom are heat resistant and maintain their structural integrity even when subjected to high temperatures.
Some of the reasons why cooking does not reliably destroy snake venom toxicity:
- Many venom toxins retain function after boiling temperatures
- Fats and proteins in the meat can act as barriers protecting the venom
- Microwaving does not evenly penetrate and heat all tissues
- Some toxins may remain in microscopic pockets unexposed to heat
- Acidic venom components resist breakdown through cooking
There are documented cases of people still experiencing severe envenomation after eating cooked snake meat containing venom. So it is risky to assume thorough cooking will render the venom harmless. The safest approach is to milk and discard the venom prior to eating copperheads.
Is it Safe to Drink a Live Copperhead’s Venom?
Drinking milked venom directly from a live copperhead snake would be an extremely dangerous idea and should never be attempted. Here are some key reasons why:
- The venom would immediately enter the bloodstream without passing through external digestion
- No antitoxins or medical treatments would be on hand in case of allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- A typical venom yield of 4-6 mg is potentially fatal if directly ingested
- Damage to oral mucosa and gastrointestinal tract likely before absorption
- Rapid onset of potentially deadly low blood pressure, paralysis, bleeding, etc.
- High risk of permanent organ damage or death with no life-saving intervention available
Drinking venom from copperheads or any other snake is an unnecessary risk with a high probability of severe medical crisis or death. It should never be attempted outside of strictly controlled laboratory conditions with emergency medical support immediately available.
What Parts of a Copperhead Contain Venom?
Copperheads have specialized venom glands located towards the back of the snake’s head from which venom is delivered through their fangs. Here are the key parts to avoid when handling or preparing copperheads:
- Fangs – Front tubular teeth that inject venom from ducts at their base
- Venom glands – Located on each side of the head behind the eyes
- Ducts – Connective tubing that carries venom from the glands to the fangs
- Head – Venom glands and ducts run through the head so it’s best avoided
When eating copperheads, the head should be completely removed behind the neck area to avoid accidental poisoning. The meat itself does not contain venom as long as the head and fangs are fully severed and discarded.
What Does Copperhead Meat Taste Like?
For those brave enough to eat venomous snakes, copperhead meat is described as having a mild flavor reminiscent of chicken, frog legs, or rabbit. Here are some of the common descriptions of cooked copperhead meat:
- Texture similar to frog legs or alligator
- Mildly sweet taste compared to stronger game meats
- Firmer meat than fish but softer than steak
- Light flavor without the gaminess of snakes like rattlesnakes
- Little to no natural fat marbling in the copperhead meat
Of course, individual taste preferences vary. Some describe it as unremarkable while others find it perfectly acceptable as a lean source of protein. The mild taste leads some to compare it to chicken or rabbit in recipes.
Is Eating Copperheads Legal?
The legality of eating copperhead meat varies by state in the US. Here are some key legal considerations regarding consuming copperheads:
- Most states allow consumption but regulate capture and sale
- State-issued permits or licenses required in some areas
- Often illegal to capture copperheads from the wild solely for food
- Sale of wild-caught copperheads is banned in most states
- Legal loopholes for roadkill or snakes found already deceased
- Regulated as native wildlife rather than a food source
- National Park Service prohibits any harvesting or eating of wildlife
So while eating copperhead meat is not federally illegal, state and local laws provide various restrictions and regulations on when and how it can be consumed. Be sure to check your local wildlife statutes before pursuing copperheads as a food source.
Dangers of Captive-Bred vs Wild Copperheads for Consumption
Those determined to eat copperhead meat would be safer sourcing it from a licensed captive-breeding operation rather than capturing wild specimens. Here is a comparison of the relative dangers:
Dangers of wild-caught copperheads:
- Higher risk of bacteria from environmental exposure
- More likely carry bloodborne parasites like trypanosomes
- Difficult to verify health and disease status
- Stress and fear response increases bite risk when handled
- Legality issues with harvesting from natural habitats
Benefits of captive-bred copperheads:
- Can be farm-raised in cleaner controlled conditions
- Easier to inspect for signs of disease
- Regular meals minimize aggression and biting
- Antivenom readily available as antidote for any accidental bites
- No legal gray areas regarding capture or harvesting
When prepared under proper safety protocols, captive-bred copperhead meat poses fewer inherent health risks and legal concerns compared to wild-caught specimens. Though even captive snakes require extreme care when handling to avoid potentially deadly bites.
How to Safely Prepare Copperhead Meat
If attempting to prepare copperhead meat, extreme caution must be used handling the snake to avoid envenomation. Here are some tips for safe preparation:
- Use snake hooks and pins to secure the head before decapitation
- Completely sever the head with a machete or hatchet rather than a knife
- Do not attempt to milk venom from copperheads without proper training and equipment
- Immediately freeze or discard the severed head, do not keep as trophy or memento
- Thoroughly clean the skin and meat of any blood residue
- Cook the meat to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C)
- Avoid contact between raw meat and wounds, eyes, nose, and mouth
- Use separate utensils for raw copperhead meat and other foods
Special permits and liability waivers may be required to purchase or handle live copperheads even from licensed breeders in some regions. Seek any necessary legal permissions and take all possible safety precautions when handling venomous snakes.
First Aid for Copperhead Bites
If bitten by a copperhead, prompt medical treatment is vital to limit damage from the venom. Here are some key first aid guidelines while awaiting emergency care:
- Wash the bite area with soap and water if able
- Remove any rings or constricting items as the affected area may swell
- Keep the bitten limb elevated above heart level to slow venom absorption
- Cover with clean bandage but avoid tourniquets or compression wraps
- Remain calm and still to keep venom localized and heart rate low
- Seek immediate emergency medical help for antivenom treatment
- Do not attempt to cut or suck venom from the wound
With prompt antivenom therapy, chances of recovery are good. But severe or untreated copperhead bites can result in permanent tissue damage, loss of digits, or death in rare cases. Seek qualified medical care immediately after any venomous snakebite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while technically possible to eat, copperheads are not a practical food source compared to the high health risks involved. If thoroughly cooked, the meat itself is not toxic. But there is considerable danger in handling and preparing the snake without envenomation. Those determined to consume copperhead meat should obtain it only through licensed breeders under strictly controlled conditions to minimize potential danger. In general, the risks far outweigh any benefits of eating copperheads compared to more convenient and safer sources of protein.
