Copperheads and Opossums: Behavior and Survival

In the woodlands of southern Indiana, a copperhead snake and her two surviving offspring navigate the challenges of autumn. The snakelets, born live, are ready-made hunters using their yellow-tipped tails to lure prey. An opossum, immune to the snake's venom, encounters the family but opts for grubs instead. As winter approaches, the copperhead prepares to migrate to a den, leaving a scent trail for her young to follow, where they will hibernate until spring.

What is unique about the birth of copperhead snakes compared to most other snakes?

• They are born in water.

• They are born from eggs.

• They are born live.

• They are born in nests.

How do young copperheads attract their prey?

• By releasing a sweet scent.

• By using their yellow-tipped tails.

• By making a hissing sound.

• By camouflaging with leaves.

What is the opossum's main activity during autumn?

• Hibernating.

• Fattening up for winter.

• Migrating south.

• Building a nest.

Why does the opossum avoid confronting the copperhead snake?

• She is too tired to fight.

• She prefers to eat plants.

• She is immune to the venom but avoids the painful bite.

• She is afraid of snakes.

What does the opossum decide to eat instead of the copperhead?

• Frogs

• Grubs

• Berries

• Leaves

What is the opossum's reaction to the copperhead snake?

• She wisely avoids a confrontation.

• She ignores the snake.

• She runs away in fear.

• She attacks the snake.

What will the copperhead snake do to prepare for winter?

• Build a nest.

• Grow thicker scales.

• Migrate to a winter den.

• Store food underground.

How will the young copperheads find their mother after she migrates?

• By following her scent trail.

• By waiting for her to return.

• By listening for her call.

• By looking for her tracks.

What season will bring the copperhead family back into daylight?

• Autumn

• Spring

• Winter

• Summer