Copper Creek is a tributary of the Clinch River located in southwestern Virginia. It occurs in the valley between Copper Ridge to the north and Moccasin Ridge to the south. Much of the landscape in the area is "karst", a system of sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, underground streams and springs developed as groundwater dissolves the underlying carbonate rock (limestone and dolomite) (Flynn et al., 1994). The Copper Creek watershed is composed of about 11,600 hectares (or 9%) of Russell Co. and about 22,400 hectares (or 16%) of Scott County. Copper Creek itself is almost 100 km long with its width ranging from about 4 to 10 meters and a depth of 15-60 centimeters. The average flow is about 36 cubic meters per second (Flynn et al., 1994).

Copper Creek is famous for its diversity of native mussels (19 species including 6 state or federal endangered or threatened species) and fish (71 species including 4 state or federal endangered or threatened species). The herps of this area are less well known, however, this robust diversity of other aquatic wildlife suggested that Copper Creek would be an interesting habitat to survey. Thus, on 22 April 1994, more than 30 members of the Virginia Herpetological Society met at Kingsport, Tennessee in preparation for the Copper Creek Survey which was accomplished on 23 April, 1994.

VHS members were divided into several teams which were sent out to survey the aquatic habitat of Copper Creek and many of its tributaries, and the surrounding terrestrial habitats. The survey is somewhat biased toward aquatic species, as a result of the emphasis placed on Copper Creek itself. Sampling methods included snorkeling, turtle traps, seines, hand nets, hand collecting, and visual observation from the roadside. Where possible, the sex, length and weight of each specimen was recorded before being released at the site of capture.

This survey resulted in a total of 23 herp species being observed and recorded. These 23 species included three anurans and nine salamanders for a total of twelve amphibians, and six turtle, one lizard, and four snake species for a total of eleven reptile species. The following account is given for each species.

Anurans (3 species)

Rana catesbeiana (Bullfrog) sites 2 and 6

Bullfrogs were found in typical habitats, sitting along stream banks.

Rana clamitans melanota (Green Frog) sites 1, 2 and 5.

Green frogs were also found in typical habitats, sitting along stream banks and in pools along the roadways.

Rana palustris (Pickerel Frog) Sites 4, 5,6 and 7

The pickerel frog was the most commonly encountered anuran. They were found along stream banks, in shallow pools along roadsides and streams, and hiding under logs in moist forested habitats along streams.

 

Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis (Hellbender) Sites 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 10.

This largest of North American salamanders was one of the highlights of this trip. A total of 14 hellbenders were observed. Most of these were either exposed by overturning large rocks or observed in shallow pools within larger streams. Many were full-grown adults with SVLs of 25-30 cm or more. One specimen regurgitated a large river chub. Many photographs of these outstanding specimens were taken.

Desmognathus f. fuscus (Northern Dusky Salamander) Sites 4, 6 and 8.

A few adults were found under rocks along streams. Larvae were found under rocks in several smaller streams.

Desmognathus ochrophaeus (Mountain Dusky Salamander) Site 4.

At least one mountain dusky salamander was observed at Hale Spring, along with many other Plethodontidae.

Eurycea cirrigera (Southern Two-line Salamander) Sites 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

and 9.

The southern two-line salamander was the most numerous and frequently observed salamander. All the specimens observed were larvae, with most hiding under rocks or at the base of aquatic vegetation.

Eurycea l. longicauda (Long-tailed Salamander) Sites 2, 6 and 8.

An adult long-tailed salamander was found at site 2 under a log in a moist forested area along a stream bank. Larval long-tailed salamanders were found under rocks in smaller tributaries at sites 6 and 8.

 

Gyronophilus p. porphyriticus (Northern Spring Salamander) Site 4.

A larval spring salamander was found in Hale Spring.

Necturus m. maculosus (Mudpuppy) Sites 2 and 6.

One adult mudpuppy was observed under a rock at site 2. A second adult (20 cm SVL) was captured and released at site 6. This was the second largest and probably the rarest salamander species observed during the survey.

Plethodon glutinosus (Northern Slimy Salamander) Sites 4, 6 and 8.

The slimy salamander was found in typical habitats, under logs and other surface cover in moist forested areas.

Pseudotriton r. ruber (Northern Red Salamander) Sites 4 and 6.

Larval red salamanders were found hiding under rocks in streams at two localities.

 

Apalone s. spinifera (Eastern spiny softshell) Sites 12 and 13.

One spiny softshell was observed at each of two sites, basking on this sunny day.

Chelydra s. serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle) Sites 6 and 8.

One adult snapper was observed swimming about 3 meters from shore at site 6. A second was found dead at site 8. It was presumably killed by humans as the head was missing.

Graptemys geographica (Common Map Turtle) Sites 2, 5, 6, 7, 12 and 14.

The common map turtle was indeed the commonest turtle observed in Copper Creek. Many were observed basking at different portions of the creek, and several were captured and released in turtle traps.

Pseudemys concina hieroglyphica (Hieroglyphic River Cooter) Site 1

One adult (112 mm total length) was captured and photographed from a shallow pool at site 1. Although this specimen should be a county record for Russell Co., it is not mentioned in Mitchell (1994).

Terrapene c. carolina (Eastern Box Turtle) Sites 6 and 8.

One adult box turtle was found under a piece of tin at site 6, while the shell of a road killed specimen was found at site 8.

Sternotherus minor peltifer (Stripe-necked Musk Turtle) Site 11.

One specimen was found dead in about 1 meter of water near the shore at site 11.

 

Coluber constrictor (Black Racer) Site 6

An adult black racer was observed in a small grassy area at site 6.

Diadophis punctatus edwardsii (Northern Ringneck Snake) Site 8.

An adult male was captured under a piece of tin at site 8.

Lampropeltis getula nigra (Black King Snake) Sites 7 and 8

One adult kingsnake was captured moving across the road near Rt. 27 at site 7. Two additional adults were captured under pieces of tin at site 8. This species was previously known from Scott Co. only from road killed specimens. These individuals were extensively photographed before being released. One of these photos appears in Mitchell (1994) for this species. This was certainly the rarest snake found on the survey. And yes, although there were many volunteers ready to give these snakes a good home, in keeping with the VHS no collecting policy, all three were released back into their true and original habitats.

Regina septemvittata (Queen Snake) Sites 2, 5 and 6.

One queen snake was found under rocks at the stream bank at each of 3 sites.

 

Lizards (1 species)

Eumeces fasciatus (Five-lined skink)

One adult skink was found in a log pile at site 6.

 

 

The VHS wishes to thank the many volunteers who came out to donate their time and make this survey possible. We also wish to thank the many landowners including Robert Bausell, Clarice Enix, James Hillman, Jewel Martin, Barnett McConnell, Seibert Meade, Fay Penley, Gilbert Penley, Charles Pospisil, and Anthony Rhoton for permission to conduct this survey on their property.

Literature Cited

Flynn, J., D.L. Weigmann and S. Fruenderman. 1994. Copper Creek, a valuable resource. VA Water Resources Research Center, Blacksburg, VA. 13 pp.

Mithchell, J.C. 1994 The Reptiles of Virginia. Smithsonian Inst. Press, Washington D.C. 352 pp.

Table 1. List of 14 collection sites in the Copper Creek Watershed.

Site 1. Copper Creek, 0.3 km upstream of Little Copper Creek, Russell Co., VA.

Site 2. Copper Creek at Rt. 670 near Dorton Fort, Scott Co., VA.

Site 3. Copper Creek at Rt. 71 near Dorton Fort, Scott, Co., VA.

Site 4. Hale Spring, Scott Co., VA.

Site 5. Copper Creek at Co. Rt. 669, Scott Co., VA.

Site 6. Copper Creek at Rt. 72, Scott Co., VA.

Site 7. Copper Creek near confluence with Lark Creek, Scott Co., VA.

Site 8. Copper Creek and ephemeral tributary at Co. Rt. 627, at powerline crossing, Scott Co., VA.

Site 9. Ephemeral stream near Lark Creek, Scott Co., VA.

Site 10. Copper Creek at the intersection of Co. Rt. 627 and 665, just downstream of low-head dam, Scott Co., VA.

Site 11. Copper Creek at Spivey Ford, Co. Rt. 627, Scott Co., VA.

Site 12. Copper Creek about 2.5 km E of Co. Rt. 665 and 627, Scott Co., VA.

Site 13. Copper Creek at Co. Rt. 642, Scott Co., VA.

Site 14. Mouth of Copper Creek under railroad bridge, Scott Co., VA.