The little ones like you found are more dangerous than the big ones, only because they are more likely to strike. The small ones strike out at almost anything.
The larger ones are more likely to let anything that they don't consider to be "food" to pass right on by, unless you disturb them or step on them.
I've had several large ones at my house over the years in the 3 foot range, that had EVERY opportunity to take me out, and they didn't.
I leave them alone. If they are someplace I don't want them to be, I move them or give them a minute to move themselves.
They are actually good to have around, and aren't all that deadly.
Here's a picture of one that I took. This one should have bit me. He was in a wood pile that I was moving. Saw him when I picked up a log. He had several chances to bite me, but just watched. So I afforded him the same. I just watched him, and eventually he moved off into the woods by himself.
Copperhead in June - Southern Maryland Online Photo Gallery