I barely caught sight of the copperhead that crossed my path today during my walk. Nearly stepped right on it, actually - one of those split-second moments where you look away for just a second.

It wasn't a complete surprise, though. I've encountered them out here before, usually much larger. This one was just a baby, really.

Copperheads are lukily not generally aggressive creatures, despite their fearsome reputation. I typically spot them stretched across the concrete, taking advantage of the cooler surface to regulate their body temperature.

Be careful out there. Look down when you walk in the woods.