I have not personally witnessed any mocc’s attempting to drive me off a “spot” (where I’d been for an hour.) These copperheads though - I’ve witnessed it myself. The 1st time it happened, I could hardly believe it. Most snakes DO flee if given a chance. This one wasn’t “chasing me”, but it swam right up to me, and despite me poking at it w/ my fishing rod, came right up on the bank where I’d been standing seconds before, as I backed off. Another fellow saw this and ran back to his truck and got the proverbial shovel, again taking perhaps 2-3 minutes, while I was continuing to poke at said snake and try to get it to leave. The snake just seemed to want that spot (right amongst my gear, though that time I had no fish / stringer there). It seemed to “assume” I was no threat and would back away. I’ve had a few similar episodes in that general area, and then most recently, the one where the almost 4’ copperhead seemed to think he could ingest my 7” long bluegill... and again the snake just would not leave.
I can imagine what could happen if a 5 year old who’d wandered a few feet off from Mom or Dad had encountered that snake. It might not kill the kid, but he / she would certainly be endangered, and very, very sick if bitten.
There are also many situations where the snake is concealed. When I was in Kansas, a next-door neighbor’s wife was simply walking through part of their property where the grass was high, and she stepped on a copperhead which instantly bit her.
I’ll say it again - I am very (and personally) familiar with “U.S.” snakes’ behavior in the wild and as pets too. I actually like most snakes (the reptilian kind, anyway, the human kind, not so much.) But poisonous snakes in areas people frequent (esp. kids) are a risk, and people come B4 snakes. If naught else, in such areas, replace the poisonous snakes with non-poisonous species that prey on the same creatures.
Now, a good squirt gun loaded with rubbing alcohol might not be a bad idea for remote areas. I might give that a try. It probably won’t help much if a human snake shows up, though. ;-)
I dunno...maybe if ya hit them right dead in the eye? :D
Human vermin...nah, take the gun.
I wonder if there was a reason it wanted that spot?
I would not suspect a buried clutch of eggs in the open but ya never know.