New Jersey is home to a diverse array of wildlife, and many residents and visitors wonder about venomous snakes. The clear answer is yes: New Jersey hosts two native venomous species, both members of the pit viper family. Encounters with these reptiles are uncommon, as they generally prefer to avoid human contact. Understanding how to identify them and knowing their habitats allows for safe coexistence.
Identifying New Jersey’s Venomous Snakes
It is important to clarify that the scientifically correct term for these animals is venomous, meaning they inject toxins through a bite, rather than poisonous, which refers to toxins that are ingested. The two venomous species are the Timber Rattlesnake and the Northern Copperhead. As pit vipers, both possess a broad, triangular-shaped head, elliptical pupils, and heat-sensing pits located between the eye and nostril.
The Timber Rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied species easily recognized by the distinct rattle formed by interlocking segments of keratin at the end of its tail. Its body features dark crossbands that often form a chevron or V-shaped pattern on a background that ranges from yellow or brown to nearly solid black. The Northern Copperhead typically has a coppery-red head and is marked by dark, reddish-brown crossbands that narrow along the spine, creating a distinctive hourglass pattern. Juveniles possess the same hourglass pattern but also have a bright, yellowish-tipped tail.
Where the Snakes Live in New Jersey
The distribution of New Jersey’s venomous snakes is highly localized and restricted to specific, undisturbed habitats. The Timber Rattlesnake, which is an endangered species in the state, exists in two distinct regions. One population is found in the mountainous, rocky areas of Northern New Jersey, primarily along the Kittatinny Ridge and in the Highlands, where they rely on rocky dens for winter.
The second population of Timber Rattlesnakes is isolated in the southern part of the state, particularly within the Pine Barrens, where they den along stream embankments and in densely wooded areas. The Northern Copperhead shares the northern range with the rattlesnake, favoring rocky, wooded uplands and deciduous forests in counties like Sussex, Warren, and Passaic.
Safe Practices When Encountering Wildlife
The best practice for avoiding a snake encounter is to remain alert and never attempt to handle any snake you come across. When hiking in known habitats, wearing thick, over-the-ankle boots provides protection against accidental bites. Always watch where you place your hands and feet, especially when stepping over logs or rocks, or reaching into crevices and dense brush where a snake may be resting.
If a venomous snake bite occurs, immediately call 911 or the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for medical guidance. The priority is to remain calm and still, as excessive movement can accelerate the spread of venom through the lymphatic system. Remove any jewelry or restrictive clothing from the bitten limb before swelling begins.
First Aid While Awaiting Help
While awaiting medical assistance, follow these steps:
- Gently wash the bite area with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
- Keep the bitten extremity still and position it at or slightly below the level of the heart.
- Avoid applying a tourniquet, cutting the wound, or attempting to suck out the venom.
Harmless Snakes Commonly Mistaken for Hazards
Many non-venomous snakes are needlessly killed each year due to misidentification as one of the state’s two venomous species. The Eastern Milksnake is often confused with the Copperhead because of its patterned body. However, the Milksnake has a slender body, smooth scales, and its colorful blotches are typically bordered by black, often featuring a distinct V- or Y-shaped mark on its head.
The Northern Water Snake is another common species frequently mistaken for a venomous snake, specifically the Cottonmouth, which is not native to New Jersey. The Northern Water Snake has round pupils and a pattern of dark crossbands that are widest along its back. This creates a “reverse hourglass” shape, which is the opposite of the Copperhead’s pattern. These harmless snakes are essential to the ecosystem and should be left alone if encountered.