Old Accounts of Copperhead Snakes from Scott County

BITE OF YOUNG MAN 1901

Posted By: Chibundo Onyia (email)
Date: 7/27/2015 at 21:42:51

Dear Folks
I’m Chibundo Onyia, a student currently working with Dr. James Mahaffy at Dordt College. Our current research is focused on establishing the historical range of copperhead snakes in Iowa. We know of irrefutable (with voucher specimens) accounts of copperhead sightings in the south eastern corner of Iowa.
Based on articles obtained from archived newspapers, we found a few accounts of copperheads in Iowa outside these counties with vouchered specimens. We think some of these accounts will significantly extend the historical range (some were even from SW Iowa)
During the course of our research, we unearthed a 1901 account of a copperhead bite from Linwood, Scott County. They did not kill the snake which makes the account a bit shakey but on the other hand the newspaper says that copperheads”were exceedingly rare” (which implies they were sometimes found in the area). A few more accounts would help solidify our case for the presence of copperhead snakes in your County. Any help you could offer pertaining to the finding of more historical accounts would be greatly appreciated.
You can contact us on this facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1588131021454140/ or email us at chbndny@dordt.edu or james.mahaffy@dordt.edu

Thank you
In the pursuit of knowledge,
Chibundo Onyia

Copperheads in Iowa
 

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