⚫ Recent sightings have led to warnings in several cities

⚫ The snake in question can camouflage itself well

⚫ A bite is painful but rarely fatal

Two species of snakes native to New Jersey are venomous, and one of them has prompted warnings from authorities in at least two counties in recent weeks.

Residents are advised to stay away from the North American copperhead snake, which can grow up to several meters long and can camouflage itself in foliage.

In Somerset County, a northern sea snake was spotted in the Scott Drive area in Watchung, police said in a report. Days earlier, the Woodlands Wildlife Refuge in Hunterdon County reported that an injured female northern sea snake had been found.

A few days later, the snake gave birth to six young, the animal shelter said.

Details about the northern copperhead snake

According to the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, the northern copper snake is found only in the northernmost part of the Garden State. Northern copper snakes are considered a “species of special interest” in New Jersey and are “very shy and secretive snakes.”

The fat snake has a brownish coloration with a pattern of alternating bands or spots. When viewed from above, the bands look hourglass-shaped. From the side, the bands look triangular, according to experts.

A bite typically occurs when the snake is touched or intentionally harassed, RNJAES said.

A bite from a copperhead snake is rarely fatal, experts say. Victims may suffer swelling, bruising and blistering.

Copperheads can be active as early as March each year. They usually return to their dens in October.

Anyone who encounters a venomous snake is asked to call the New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Snake Hotline at 877-927-6337.

The other venomous snake in New Jersey is the timber rattlesnake.

Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom