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Rat Snakes and Copperhead snakes are both fairly similar and it’s an easy mistake to make as they are quite often found in the same habitat and eat a lot of the same prey. So, is it possible to tell them apart? The answer is yes, and it’s actually quite easy once you know what you’re looking for as there are quite a few key differences between the two.
So, what should we look for? Well, one is bigger than the other and they have differently shaped heads and eyes. One has fangs and is poisonous, the other is not. Not only that, they even have completely different methods of killing their prey. Join us as we discover all their differences and learn all about these unique and fascinating snakes.
Compare copperhead to rat snake
Copperheads and rat snakes are sometimes confused for each other, but there are actually quite a few differences between them. Copperheads are native to North America and there are five subspecies. It is important to note that although there is a Australian snake that also goes by the common name “copperhead” (lowland copperhead), it is a very different species from the copperhead found in the U.S.
Rat snakes – along with many other non-venomous snakes – belong to the subfamily Colubrinae. They are divided into New World and Old World rat snakes and there are many species today. While there are some variations between the different types, they still have many distinguishable properties that we can use to determine the differences between them and copper heads.
Check out the chart below to learn some of the key differences.
| copperhead | rat snake | |
| Measure | 2 to 3 feet tall | 3 to 7 feet long |
| Venue | North America | Much of the Northern Hemisphere |
| Habitat | forest and wetland, sometimes rocky slopes – prefer areas with a lot of vegetation | swamps, rocky areas, forests |
| Form | Large triangular head, stocky body, tapering to a thin tail. Have pits on the eating side under the eyes and nostrils | Small turtle-shaped head |
| Colour | Black, brown, brown or gray, but with hourglass-shaped patterns | Black with white chin is common, but the color varies and can be white, orange, red, yellow or gray |
| toxic | Yes | new |
| canines | Long canines | No canines, but has many small teeth |
| Eyes | Vertical pupils | round pupils |
| eating pattern | lizards, frogs, mice, small birds, reptiles, and other small ones rodents | Mainly small rodents, but also small birds, eggs, and fish |
| Killing method | Kill or subdue with their venom and then swallow their prey whole | Constriction – wrap their bodies around their prey and suffocate them |
| Reproduction | ovovivipair | oviparous |
| Lifespan | 18 years | Estimated 10 to 15 years in the wild |
The 7 Key Differences Between Rat Snakes and Copperheads
Rat Snake vs Copperhead: Size
One of the main differences between rat snakes and copperheads is the size difference. Rat snakes are much longer than copperheads and range between 3 and 7 feet in length. On the other hand, copper heads are usually only between 2 and 3 feet long.
Rat Snake vs Copperhead: Location
Copperhead snakes are used in most North America, but more common in the eastern and central United States. However, rat snakes are widespread across much of the Northern Hemisphere.
Rat Snake vs Copperhead: Color
While both rat snakes and copperheads differ in color, there are some differences. Black with white chins is quite common in rat snakes, but other colors are often red, yellow, white, orange, red, and gray. Copperheads are usually black, brown, tan, or gray, but their distinguishing feature is their hourglass-shaped markings. The hourglass markings are often dark brown and are generally quite uniform throughout the snake’s life.
Rat Snake vs Copperhead: Shape & Eyes
Copperheads are pit vipers, so they have pits under each eye. These pits act as heat sensors to help them find prey. Copperheads have large, triangular heads and stocky bodies with thin tails. Their eyes also have vertical pupils that are like thin slits.
Rat snakes are not pit vipers and therefore do not have pits. Instead, they have small turtle-shaped heads and round pupils. However, getting close enough to a snake to look at the shape of their eyes is probably not a good idea!
Rat Snake vs Copperhead: Fangs
One of the main differences between these two snakes is the presence of fangs. Copperhead snakes are venomous and have long, hollow teeth. Despite being poisonous, their venom is relatively weak and is generally only lethal to the very young, elderly or sick. Rat snakes, on the other hand, are not venomous and have no fangs. Instead, they have a lot of very small teeth, so every bite from a rat snake is more like small scratches.
Rat Snake vs Copperhead: Kill Method
As we mentioned, copperheads are pit vipers and poisonous. They use their venom to kill or subdue their prey before swallowing it whole. Copperheads eat a variety of lizards, frogs, mice, small birds, and others rodents. However, rat snakes are constrictors and kill by wrapping their bodies tightly around their prey until they suffocate. Rat snakes usually eat small rodents, eggs, small birds, and fish.
Rat Snake vs Copperhead: Reproduction
Copperheads are ovoviviparous meaning they carry their eggs and the eggs hatch inside their bodies. Rats are oviparous and lay eggs that hatch outside their bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are rat snakes and copperhead snakes from the same family group?
No, rat snakes and copperhead snakes come from different families. Rat snakes come from the family group Colubridae that is the largest snake family. Copperheads come from the family group Viperidae that is a family of venomous snakes with long teeth that can be folded back in the mouth when not in use.
Do copperheads and rat snakes live in the same habitat?
Yes, copperheads and rat snakes can live in a wide variety of habitats, but they prefer a similar environment. Both like to live in forest areas, wet swampsand rocky slopes.
How big are copperheads when they are born?
Copperheads are only between 7 and 9 inches long when born. They have a yellow tip on their tails when they are born, which fades as they get older. They are thought to use their unique tail tip as bait to attract prey to them.
How long does it take for rat snake eggs to hatch and how big are they when they are born?
Most rat snakes take between 6 and 8 weeks to hatch and they are usually between 10 and 16 inches when born.
Do rat snakes and copperheads have predators?
Yes, copperheads are mainly attacked by large numbers birds as owls and hawks, only sometimes raccoons and others snakes also hunt them. foxes, owls, hawks, bobcats, weasels, and raccoons prey on rat snakes.
What is the difference between Old World and New World rat snakes?
The main difference between New and Old World rat snakes is the location. Old World rat snakes are found in the Eastern Hemisphere and New World rat snakes in the Western Hemisphere. However, they are also genetically different.
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