Rattlesnakes are present in New Jersey, but encounters are extremely rare and limited to the state’s only species, the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Once widespread, the species suffered a severe decline due to habitat loss and human persecution. The Timber Rattlesnake is now listed as an endangered species in New Jersey, providing it with the highest level of legal protection under state law. This status makes it illegal to harm, harass, or collect the snake or any part of it. The species is shy and reclusive, preferring to avoid human contact, which contributes to its low visibility.
The Timber Rattlesnake: Identification
The Timber Rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied snake that can reach lengths between 35 and 74 inches, making it one of the longest venomous snakes in North America. It is easily distinguished from non-venomous species by its large, triangular-shaped head, which is noticeably wider than its neck. Like all pit vipers, it possesses two facial pits, which are heat-sensing organs located between the nostrils and the eyes.
The most defining characteristic is the series of interlocking segments of keratinized skin at the end of its tail, which forms the distinct rattle. When agitated, the snake vibrates its tail, producing a buzzing sound as a warning. Newborn rattlesnakes are born with a single segment, or “button,” and only develop a functional rattle after their first shed.
Timber Rattlesnakes in New Jersey typically exhibit two main color variations, or morphs: a yellow phase and a black phase. The yellow morph features a pale yellow to brownish ground color, overlaid with dark brown or black crossbands that often take on a chevron shape. The black morph is heavily pigmented, sometimes appearing almost completely black, which can obscure the underlying pattern. All Timber Rattlesnakes share a dark, often solid black, tail.
Restricted Habitats and Protected Status
The species’ distribution in New Jersey is highly fragmented, with populations confined to two distinct regions. In the northern part of the state, they inhabit the mountainous areas of the Kittatinny Ridge, including parts of Warren, Sussex, and Passaic counties. These northern populations rely on rocky hillsides and ledges with south-facing slopes for their communal winter dens, where they hibernate below the frost line.
A separate, isolated population exists in the southern Pinelands region, spanning parts of Ocean, Atlantic, and Burlington counties. These snakes utilize a different habitat, often denning along stream banks and in cedar swamps, accessing underground cavities near the water table.
The Timber Rattlesnake was officially listed as a state endangered species in 1979 due to the threats of malicious killing, illegal collection, and widespread habitat destruction. Their low reproductive rate, with females typically breeding only once every three to four years, makes their populations slow to recover from losses.
Guidelines for Safe Encounters
The probability of a person being bitten by a Timber Rattlesnake in New Jersey is extremely low, with only four reported incidents between 1999 and 2023. Three of those four bites involved people attempting to handle or harass the snake, which is a violation of state law. To ensure a safe encounter, the single most important action is to leave the snake alone and maintain a significant distance.
If you come across a rattlesnake, you should remain calm and slowly move away from it, ensuring you maintain at least 15 feet of space. Never attempt to capture, handle, or move the snake, even if it appears docile or is not rattling. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in known rattlesnake territory should wear sturdy, over-the-ankle boots and long pants to provide a layer of protection.
Stick to well-worn trails and avoid stepping over large logs or rocks without first visually checking the area beyond them. If you see a Timber Rattlesnake, report the sighting to the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP). Reporting helps biologists track and protect these rare animals, and the ENSP can dispatch a response team to safely relocate any venomous snake found near human-inhabited areas.