During your visit to Buffalo National River, you might encounter some of the local wildlife residents. It's always a treat to see a deer browsing along a trail you’re hiking or a bald eagle soaring above the river during a float trip. However, there's one creature that most people prefer to keep their distance from – copperhead snakes! These snakes are known for their distinctive copper-colored heads and the Hershey kiss like pattern along the sides of their body. It is common knowledge they are venomous. You may come across one or even a couple of them while exploring the park. Copperheads may be found within the various habitats of the park: wooded areas, rocky hillsides, around downed trees, near the river, and in campgrounds.
The reason for the increased presence of copperheads right now is that it is their breeding season, which occurs from September to November in Arkansas.
Regardless of the time of year, encountering a copperhead can be worrisome. If you come across a copperhead, use common sense to minimize the risk of being bite. When walking on trails or in a campground, stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings. Wear appropriate hiking attire such as, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and knee socks. If you see a copperhead, or any snake for that matter, try not to disturb it. Keep a safe distance and do not approach, provoke, or touch it. If it starts to move, wait to see what direction it is going and go the opposite way or wait for it to leave the area.
To ensure safety and responsible coexistence with snakes, it is crucial to have knowledge about copperhead habitats and mating seasons. By being mindful of these factors, one can prepare for potential encounters and exercise caution. It is important to remember that snakes play a significant role in ecosystems and contribute to the balance of the food web. Therefore, it is our duty to coexist with them in a manner that prioritizes both our safety and their well-being
