Snake Season In NJ: Venomous Species, How To Spot Them

NEW JERSEY — As temperatures rise across New Jersey in the coming months, residents of the Garden State are likely to spend more time outdoors soaking up the sun while hiking, camping, or barbecuing with family and friends.

But as humans migrate outside to enjoy the summer months, many snakes will be doing the same.

New Jersey is home to 22 species of snakes, according to the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife, and basking in the sun is crucial to maintaining their body temperature and ensuring they survive and reproduce.

Most snake species like the milk snake, rat snake and garter snake are harmless and won't bother humans. However, there are two types of venomous snakes in New Jersey that humans should be mindful of and be sure to admire from a distance.

These are the venomous snakes in New Jersey and how to spot them:

Timber Rattlesnake

Classified as an endangered species, three populations of timber rattlesnakes remain. They can be found in New Jersey's northern region along the Kittatinny Ridge, within the Highlands region and in southern New Jersey within the Pine Barrens.

In North Jersey, the snake is found in rocky, wooded areas and will hunt in open and dense forests. In South Jersey, the snakes inhabit swamps and pine-oak forests, hunting in open and dense forests and occasionally basking on dirt roads.

The color of a timber rattlesnake varies. A yellow phase rattlesnake's ground color is yellow to brown, with black or dark brown jagged V-shape bands and blotches towards the head. A black
phase rattlesnake's pattern is similar to the yellow phase, but the dark brown to black ground color obscures much of the pattern. The head is unmarked and the last few inches of an adult’s tail are solid black or dark brown. Some timber rattlesnakes may be completely black.

According to state officials, there have been no reported incidents of bites other than to people handling the snakes. The snakes will defend themselves if they feel threatened.

Northern Copperhead

The northern copperhead is an uncommon snake that inhabits New Jersey’s northern region, extending as far south as the Sourlands of Hunterdon and Somerset counties and northeast through areas within Somerset and western Bergen County.

It inhabits rocky fields, berry thickets, woodlands, farmlands and even old mulch piles. The copperhead is two shades of copper or a reddish brown. A dark pattern over a lighter background color forms an hourglass shape with wider bands on the sides of the snake and narrower bands across its back. The head is a solid copper color. Young copperheads have a yellow-tipped tail that acts as a lure for prey.

These snakes will not chase you, but they will defend themselves if they feel threatened.

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If a venomous snake bites a person, there are several steps to follow, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection:

• Take the victim to the hospital immediately.
• Calm and reassure the victim, and keep the victim immobile with the bite positioned lower than the victim’s heart.
• Apply a light constricting band above the bite area. Be sure you can fit your finger between the band and the victim's skin. Do not release the band unless it becomes too tight from swelling.
• Do not try to try out the venom. Do not use ice, cold packs or sprays. Don't use a tourniquet or give the victim any alcohol or drugs.
• Do not wait until symptoms develop.

Learn more about New Jersey snakes online.