Snakes in New Jersey: Identification Guide with Photos

New Jersey is home to 23 snake species, only two of which are venomous – the timber rattlesnake and copperhead. Understanding which snakes may reside in your backyard or neighborhood allows you to appreciate these reptiles and coexist safely This guide covers how to identify snakes in New Jersey, including key features, habitat, behavior, and distribution across the state

Venomous Snakes

Copperhead (Frequency: 7)

The copperhead is one of two venomous snake species found in New Jersey. Adults reach 20-37 inches long with tan, pinkish or copper-colored bands shaped like hourglasses down the length of the body. The edges of the bands are darker than the centers.

Copperheads prefer northern regions of New Jersey in rocky, forested areas. They are most active in spring and fall when temperatures are cooler. During summer’s heat, they become nocturnal. Copperheads ambush prey, aided by heat-sensing facial pits to detect and judge prey size. They primarily eat small rodents, frogs, birds and insects, subduing them with venom before swallowing them whole.

While venomous, copperhead bites are rarely fatal. They often employ warning bites, with little or no venom injected. Prompt medical treatment ensures full recovery.

Timber Rattlesnake (Frequency: 7)

The timber rattlesnake is New Jersey’s other venomous snake. It grows 30-60 inches long with yellowish-brown to dark gray blotches, stripes or bands on its back. The triangular head and rattle on the tail make identification straightforward.

Timber rattlesnakes occupy diverse habitats like forests, swamps and agricultural areas statewide. As ambush predators, they wait for unsuspecting prey then strike, allowing venom to take effect before eating their victim. Though potentially dangerous due to large size and high venom yield, they are mild-tempered and usually rattle before striking. Seek immediate medical care if bitten.

Nonvenomous Snakes

Northern Water Snake (Frequency: 7)

The northern water snake is New Jersey’s most common watersnake, reaching 24-55 inches long. Coloration ranges from light gray to reddish-brown with dark bands or blotches. Large adults appear almost solid black. They prefer calm waters like ponds, lakes, marshes and slow streams.

Active day and night, northern water snakes hunt along water’s edge for fish and amphibians. They are quick to defend themselves, musking, flattening their bodies, and biting repeatedly if threatened. Though not venomous, their saliva contains mild anticoagulant, so bites may bleed more than normal.

Eastern Garter Snake (Frequency: 7)

The eastern garter snake is New Jersey’s most frequently encountered snake due to its ability to thrive near human habitats. Adults reach 18-26 inches long with variable coloration of brown, green or black and distinct yellow/white stripes down the back and sides.

Found statewide, eastern garter snakes prefer moist environments like stream banks, marshes and suburban yards and gardens. When threatened, they may defecate, release foul-smelling musk and bite. These harmless snakes eat various small animals including frogs, fish, slugs and worms.

Eastern Ribbon Snake (Frequency: 5)

The eastern ribbon snake is a slender, semi-aquatic species reaching 18-26 inches long. Coloration consists of three bright yellow or white stripes – one down the back and one along each side – on a black or brown background. The head is brown and the belly greenish-white.

Ribbon snakes remain near water, frequenting marshes, streams, ponds and wet meadows. They are encountered basking on vegetation overhanging water. When threatened, they quickly flee to water or grassy areas. Bites are rare, but they will defecate and musk when handled. Ribbon snakes eat amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

Eastern Milksnake (Frequency: 7)

Eastern milksnakes grow up to 36 inches long with tan or gray scales and reddish-brown blotches bordered in black along the back. A light “Y” or “V” mark typically appears near the head. Despite the name, they don’t milk cows but often reside in barns to prey on rodents.

Milksnakes inhabit diverse habitats like forests, fields, rocky areas and barns statewide. Secretive and mainly underground, they are sometimes seen under rocks, boards and debris when moving locations. In addition to small mammals, they eat lizards, birds, eggs, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. They are immune to pit viper venom.

Eastern Kingsnake (Frequency: 5)

The eastern kingsnake in southern New Jersey reaches up to 48 inches long. Color patterns include black with white or yellow chain-like bands or solid black. The head is wider than the neck.

Kingsnakes occupy forests, swamps, fields and other habitats, often near water. Terrestrial yet arboreal, they prey on rodents, lizards, turtles and other snakes, including venomous species which they are able to eat due to toxin-resistant blood. When threatened, they may vibrate their tails and strike defensively.

Black Rat Snake (Frequency: 5)

The black rat snake is New Jersey’s largest snake, ranging from 42-72 inches long, and occuring in black or dark gray. The chin and throat are white. Rat snakes favor semi-aquatic habitats like swamps and streams statewide.

Expert climbers and swimmers, they prey on various animals including frogs, rodents and bird eggs. They are nonvenomous but will spray musk and bite when threatened. Rat snakes are encountered in rural and suburban settings, often around barns or buildings where rodents live.

Northern Water Snake (Frequency: 7)

As covered earlier, the northern water snake is New Jersey’s most frequently seen watersnake. They occupy all types of still and slow-moving freshwaters environments statewide and are active day and night in summer. Refer to the earlier section for more details on appearance and behavior.

Eastern Garter Snake (Frequency: 7)

The eastern garter snake was also described previously as New Jersey’s most common snake species overall. They thrive statewide in moist, grassy areas near water and in suburban yards and gardens. Refer to the earlier section for additional details on identification and habits.

Habitat and Behavior

Snakes occupy diverse habitats in New Jersey based on species, from forests, meadows and mountains to shorelines, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and suburban backyards. Aquatic snakes like northern water snakes and eastern ribbon snakes remain near waterways while terrestrial snakes like milksnakes and rat snakes frequent upland areas. Some snakes, like eastern garter snakes and timber rattlensnakes, utilize both habitats.

Most snakes are active April through October, hibernating underground in winter. Activity patterns range from strictly diurnal to completely nocturnal, though many are crepuscular – most active at dawn and dusk. When confronted, most snakes flee if possible, though some employ defensive postures and musking or biting to deter predators. Only the two venomous species – copperheads and timber rattlensnakes – pose any danger to humans and pets if threatened.

Safety Tips

• Learn to identify New Jersey’s two venomous snakes – copperheads and timber rattlensnakes – for safety awareness. Avoid areas where they reside.

• Always give snakes space, not approaching within at least 5 feet. Do not handle or harass them. Nearly all bites occur when people attempt to handle or kill snakes.

• If bitten by a venomous snake, remain calm and seek immediate emergency medical care. Try to describe the snake to aid proper antivenom treatment.

• To deter snakes, keep yards and properties well-manicured, removing wood/rock piles and overgrown vegetation. Seal foundation cracks and openings where snakes may enter homes.

• Call a professional if a venomous snake is spotted on your property or a snake is inside your home and can’t be allowed to leave on its own. Never attempt to kill or handle venomous snakes.

New Jersey hosts a diversity of snake species in its various ecosystems. Most are harmless to humans and help control pest rodent and insect populations, making them ecologically valuable. Learning to identify different snakes equips residents to appreciate these reptiles and coexist safely. Always admire snakes from a distance and educate children on safe practices to prevent threatening encounters. With proper understanding and precaution, we can appreciate snakes as an integral part of New Jersey’s natural heritage.