NEW JERSEY - As New Jersey residents trade the Turnpike for the trails of the Delaware Water Gap and the sandy paths of the Pine Barrens, the Garden State’s wildlife is waking up. Despite being the most densely populated state in the nation, New Jersey holds wild secrets in its pockets of preserved land.
NEW JERSEY - As New Jersey residents trade the Turnpike for the trails of the Delaware Water Gap and the sandy paths of the Pine Barrens, the Garden State’s wildlife is waking up. Despite being the most densely populated state in the nation, New Jersey holds wild secrets in its pockets of preserved land.Of the 22 species of snakes found in New Jersey, only two are venomous.
However, because New Jerseyites often don't expect to see dangerous wildlife between the suburbs, encounters can be shocking. Just last year, social media groups in the Sourland Mountains lit up with sightings of well-camouflaged vipers near hiking paths. Whether you are trekking near the NY border or exploring the deep Pines, here is the definitive guide to the two venomous snakes you need to respect in New Jersey.
1. The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
- Danger Level: High (but highly reclusive)
- Status: State Endangered
- Where they hide: New Jersey has two distinct and separate populations:
- Northern Region: The rocky ridges of the Kittatinny Mountains and the Highlands (e.g., High Point, Delaware Water Gap, Ramapo).
- Southern Region: The sandy Pine Barrens (e.g., Wharton State Forest, Bass River).
The Timber Rattlesnake is the most endangered reptile in the state. In the north, they are often black or yellow with dark bands; in the Pine Barrens, they often have a lighter, sandy/orange hue with a reddish stripe down their back.
- ID Tip: A heavy body, a broad triangular head, and a distinct rattle at the end of a black tail.
- Legal Warning: Because they are Endangered, killing or harassing a Timber Rattlesnake in New Jersey carries massive fines.
2. The Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
- Danger Level: Moderate
- Status: Species of Special Concern
- Where they hide: Northern and Central NJ only. They favor the rocky Palisades along the Hudson River, the Sourland Mountains, and the Hunterdon/Somerset hills. Note: They are generally NOT found in the Pine Barrens.
While the Rattlesnake claims the deep wilderness, the Copperhead is more likely to be found near suburban edges in North Jersey. They are famous for their "freeze" defense, blending perfectly into the basalt rock and dead leaves of the Palisades.
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ID Tip: Look for the "Hershey’s Kiss" pattern—dark brown hourglass shapes on a tan or coppery body. Their heads are a distinct coppery-red.
The Myth: The Water Moccasin
Let’s settle the Jersey debate: There are no Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) in New Jersey.
If you see a dark snake swimming in Lake Hopatcong, the Mullica River, or a retention pond in Cherry Hill, it is not a Cottonmouth. Their range ends well south of the state.
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What you are seeing: It is almost certainly a Northern Water Snake. These snakes are common, thick-bodied, and aggressive when cornered, but they are non-venomous.
Safety & First Aid
In New Jersey, snakes are protected. Given the Timber Rattlesnake's endangered status, intentional killing is a serious wildlife crime.
If Bitten:
- Call 911 immediately. New Jersey hospitals are equipped to handle these bites.
- Stay Calm. Panic increases heart rate and circulates venom faster.
- Remove Constriction. Take off rings, watches, and tight boots immediately before swelling sets in.
- Do NOT use a tourniquet, cut the wound, or apply ice.
A Note for Dog Owners: New Jersey vets report snakebites on dogs every year, particularly in the Ramapo Mountains and Pine Barrens. Keep your dog on a leash and on the trail. If your dog is bitten, carry them out (if possible) and head straight to an emergency vet.
Video: NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife - Venomous Snake ID This video explains the crucial differences between the endangered Timber Rattlesnake and common lookalikes.
