The term COBRA OR COPPERHEAD is a reference to two species of venomous snakes. The cobra is a large, highly venomous SNAKE found in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It is known for its distinctive hood and its ability to raise its head and spread its hood when threatened. The copperhead is a smaller, more docile species of venomous SNAKE found in North America. It is characterized by its reddish-brown coloration and its tendency to remain still when disturbed.