Milk snakes and copperhead snakes are often confused due to their similar color patterns, but they have distinct differences that can help you identify them accurately.

 Milk snakes have bright, alternating bands of red, black, and yellow or white, and their patterns are typically striped or banded. In contrast, copperheads have a distinctive hourglass-shaped crossband pattern in shades of brown, tan, and pinkish brown, with bands that are wider on the sides and narrower along the spine. Milk snakes have smooth scales, giving them a glossy appearance, while copperheads have keeled scales, resulting in a rougher texture. Additionally, milk snakes have round pupils, whereas copperheads have elliptical, cat-eyed pupils. Milk snakes are generally slender and streamlined, while copperheads have a heavier, stockier body.

Behaviorally, milk snakes are non-venomous and use constriction to subdue their prey, while copperheads are venomous and use their venom to immobilize their prey. Milk snakes actively hunt and constrict their prey, whereas copperheads are ambush predators, waiting for prey to come close before striking.

In Ohio, milk snakes are habitat generalists and can be found in a variety of environments, including woodlands, fields, and agricultural areas, often under rocks, logs, and in old barns. Eastern milk snakes are common throughout Ohio. Copperheads prefer deciduous forests and mixed woodlands, often near rocky outcrops. They are more likely to be seen during cooler weather in spring and fall and may become nocturnal during the hot summer months. Northern copperheads are found in the southern and eastern parts of Ohio.

Resources:

Albrecht, Brian. “Snakes of Ohio: Identifying All 25 Species (Slideshow).” Cleveland, 10 June 2016, www.cleveland.com/metro/2016/06/snakes_of_ohio_identifying_all_25_specie.... Accessed 23 May 2025.

Croft, August. “Milk Snake vs Copperhead: 5 Key Differences.” A-Z Animals, 23 Aug. 2024, a-z-animals.com/animals/comparison/milk-snake-vs-copperhead-2/. Accessed 23 May 2025.

Joe. “Milk Snake vs. Copperhead Snake (10 Key Differences) – Fauna Facts.” Faunafacts.com, 2022, faunafacts.com/milk-snake-vs-copperhead-snake/. Accessed 23 May 2025.

Scott. “22 Types of SNAKES That Live in Ohio! (ID Guide).” Bird Watching HQ, 22 May 2023, birdwatchinghq.com/snakes-in-Ohio/. Accessed 23 May 2025.

Team, Enviroliteracy. “How to Tell the Difference between a Copperhead and a Milk Snake? - the Environmental Literacy Council.” The Environmental Literacy Council, 21 Mar. 2025, enviroliteracy.org/animals/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-copperhead-and-a-milk-snake/. Accessed 23 May 2025.

Viljoen, Johanan. “Ohio Snakes Identification Guide (All Species and Pictures!).” Reptile.Guide, 5 May 2022, reptile.guide/ohio-snakes/. Accessed 23 May 2025.