Snakes in New Jersey

New Jersey hosts about 22 native snake species, and just 2 of them are venomous. The vast majority of snakes in the Garden State are harmless and pose no threat to people. Despite the state's dense population, snakes persist in the Pine Barrens, the northern highlands, and scattered green spaces, and nearly every one you are likely to cross paths with is a non-venomous species more interested in escaping than in any confrontation.

The state's snake life reflects a sharp split in habitat. The forested, rocky ridges of the northwest highlands and Appalachian uplands support species that need rocky dens and hardwood cover, while the sandy Pine Barrens of the south create a distinct community of snakes adapted to dry, acidic pinelands. Coastal marshes, river corridors, and old farm fields add further variety. This range of habitats packed into a small state is what drives New Jersey's surprising snake diversity.

The 2 venomous species recorded in New Jersey are the Eastern Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake. The copperhead sticks mainly to wooded, rocky hillsides in the northern counties. The timber rattlesnake is now protected and rare, surviving in the remote forests of the northern highlands and in parts of the Pine Barrens, where it is endangered. Both are secretive, uncommon, and go out of their way to avoid people.

Most snakes New Jerseyans actually see are harmless: common garter snakes in yards and parks, the eastern ratsnake (black rat snake) in woods and outbuildings, eastern milk snakes in fields, northern watersnakes along ponds and streams (often misidentified as copperheads or cottonmouths), DeKay's brownsnake in suburban lots, and ring-necked snakes under cover. Bites are very rare here and almost always result from someone handling or trying to kill a snake. Never treat a wild snake as safe to handle. If a bite happens, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.