Copperhead with elliptical pupils, triangular head, and pits; eastern milk snake with round pupils.

Figure 4. A comparison of a venomous and harmless snake. Top: copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), venomous. Bottom: eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum), nonvenomous (harmless).

Copperhead with elliptical pupils, triangular head, and pits; eastern milk snake with round pupils.

Photos by Daniel Guinto.