Officials in Attleboro, Massachusetts are warning residents about a venomous snake after it reportedly bit two dogs.
Attleboro officials said the snake is believed to be a copperhead and has been seen along the Ten Mile River near Milk Street.
They advised residents to be cautious when walking or running in the area, and keep dogs close.
Residents with questions or concerns are advised to contact the Attleboro Health Department at 508-223-2222, ext. 3241.
According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the copperhead is one of Massachusetts’ most mysterious and rare snakes. Very few people will ever encounter a copperhead in Massachusetts by accident. However, several other harmless snake species, such as milk snakes and water snakes, are often mistaken for copperheads.
The DFW site says Massachusetts copperheads have triangular, reddish-brown heads, and vertical or cat-like pupils with a pale iris and dark pupil. Copperheads have striking, reddish crossbands against a beige or tan background.
Neonatal and young copperheads are more grayish than adults, with yellow tail-tips. Adult copperheads are about 24 to 36 inches long, while neonatal or newborn snakes are seven to nine inches. Like the timber rattlesnake, copperheads have keeled scales.
