Copperheads are not docile. They may not chase you down and bite you, but they won't run when approached. That is why people get bit, copperheads stand their ground and when the human gets to close from not seeing them.....BAM!
You're getting the wrong impression from their behavior.
Copperheads do tend to freeze in place, but their pattern can make them nearly invisible in leaves and brush. They have good reason to choose hiding over fleeing or attacking:
It works.
They are timid; not aggressive. They aren't waiting there to strike you, and they'll avoid the hell out of it at all costs, sometimes even if stepped upon. The human equivalent would be hiding under your covers to keep the monsters away.
When I come across one that needs to be moved, it's about the easiest process of all time. If nobody has been bothering it, I just sit down about 5 feet away. Eventually (and
nearly invariably) they'll come right over and go into a bag without a single hassle.
Indeed, if I sit there long enough, they'll occasionally decide to curl up on or beside me. Sometimes that gets a touch uncomfortable, because they don't always want to leave...
Best thing there is wait for them to climb on an arm and just hold them in brush or a small tree until they would rather go somewhere else than enjoy the warmth. On hot days, sitting in the sun will eventually run them into the shade and allow you to try again.
Now, if someone has been abusing the snake before I show up, it's going to be absolutely terrified. I'm at risk of being struck in that event, and I have been many times. Then, one day, I got my damned mind in gear and realized there is a much better solution.
Just warm up a towel and drape it over them. They calm down quickly, and then are happy to comply with being removed and relocated.
I've handled hundreds of snakes (and other animals) around the world, including some of the more dangerous varieties. I even spent time working with black and green mambas, as well as boomslangs, which were being exterminated by miners and tribesmen in Southern Kenya.
The snake I'm most wary around is the water moccasin, which is rather common in this area. They are
extremely intelligent, they know it's your *** if they want to have at you, and they're not shy about following to make sure you got the message.
All that said, people shouldn't be poking at snakes of any kind. I've been dealing with odd-ball animals for many years. Leave them alone, and if you have an issue (such as a curious dog or small child and the suspicion of venomous snakes on your property) call someone like me.
Nearly every area has someone who will come by and harmlessly remove the animal. Call them up, keep an eye on the snake (don't go after it), and wait. Tell them where you think it is, and let them find it for you.
Just for reference, I personally appreciate a cold soda after capturing a snake. I'm sure I'm not the only one.
IMG_20170505_105447 by Alex Pingel, on Flickr
IMG_20170505_105709 by Alex Pingel, on Flickr
