Snakes in Sussex County

• 
  Timber Rattlesnake

  Crotalus horridus

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

• 
  Eastern Copperhead

  Agkistrodon contortrix

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.

Every snake recorded in Sussex County

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Harmless

Eastern Ratsnake

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

▲ Venomous

DeKay's Brownsnake

Storeria dekayi

Harmless

Common Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis saurita

Harmless

Eastern Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Harmless

Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

▲ Venomous

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Red-bellied Snake

Storeria occipitomaculata

Harmless

Eastern Hognose Snake

Heterodon platirhinos

Harmless

Common Wormsnake

Carphophis amoenus

Harmless

Smooth Greensnake

Opheodrys vernalis

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Sussex County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Sussex County, New Jersey?

Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Sussex County, New Jersey, including Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Sussex County, New Jersey, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in Sussex County, New Jersey?

10+ snake species have verified records in Sussex County, New Jersey, of which 2 are venomous.

What is the most commonly seen snake in Sussex County, New Jersey?

The Common Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Sussex County, New Jersey, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Sussex County, New Jersey?

Keep your distance and do not try to catch or kill it. Most bites happen when people handle or corner a snake. If someone is bitten, contact local emergency services or poison control immediately.

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