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A. If the body is reddish to light brown with darker hourglass-shaped cross bands, then the snake is a Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen)  

Juvenile copperheads have a bright yellow tail tip.

Northern copperheads are found statewide.

B. If the body is black to olive, usually with a series of crossbands and  Brown stripe on side of head the snake is an Eastern Cottonmouth  (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus).

Juvenile cottonmouths have a bright yellow tail tip.

** Note: Often the harmless Northern Water Snake and Brown Water Snake are mistaken for the venomous Eastern Cottonmouth. When compared side by side as in the photo below, it is difficult to understand how this mistaken identity occurs.