Princeton Resident's Cat Tangles With Garter Snake

PRINCETON, NJ – A Princeton resident’s cat recently had a run-in with a garter snake.

Animal Control Officer Jim Ferry responded to a home and rescued the snake. While the cat was unharmed, the snake suffered some minor injuries and was taken to a wildlife center for evaluation.

As spring temperatures rise, garter snakes will become more active—and more visible around Princeton, ACO Ferry said.

“They're a super important part of our ecosystem, both for what they eat, which is bugs and rodents and things like that, but they're also an amazing food source for a lot of the raptors in New Jersey,” ferry said.

The garter snake is most common in New Jersey and comes in a couple of different color variations.

They are non-venomous and are identified by their checkered pattern and stripes.

Ferry told residents that the garter snakes are harmless and will not attack unless threatened.

“They are cold-blooded creatures. So when they start to emerge in the spring, they will seek sunlight, dark surfaces, such as roadways, walkways, things like that, because their blood has to heat up for them to metabolize and start getting their energy to where they can move a lot more quickly,” Ferry said.

Calling the garter snake a "pretty cool animal,” The ACO said they are “worth keeping around.”

Those who want to prevent snakes on their property can make sure there are no debris piles, such as wood piles, because they can take shelter underneath those and then come out in the sunlight.

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