It is probably true that more people have a fear of snakes than any other creature found in nature, yet we still love to camp knowing there is a good chance that we will come face to face with a member of the serpent family at some time in our camping life.  Therefore, the more one knows about snakes, their habitats and their ability to cause harm to humans, the less threatening this encounter becomes and the safer the outcome for the camper as well as the snake. 


Also known as constrictors, there are twenty-two different species of non poisonous/non venomous snakes found in New Jersey and these constrictors far out number their poisonous counterparts.  The most common of these non poisonous snakes include the Black Rat Snake, Eastern King Snake, Hognose Snake, Eastern Garter Snake and the Northern Water Snake.  All of these snakes kill their prey by trapping and squeezing them prior to ingestion.   


The non poisonous snakes mentioned above are found in a wide range of habitats, although they usually seek areas that have a readily available food source.  Hence, many of these snakes will venture around houses that have a high mouse or bird population, a favorite and easily accessible food for snakes.  Additionally, a campsite that is not well kept and has trash and unwrapped or poorly wrapped food or human and/or pet waste strewn about will attract snakes.
 


The Northern Water Snake, which is the only one of the above mentioned non poisonous snakes found in New Jersey, is also the only one found in the water.  It is most often confused with the Water Moccasin, which is the aggressive and highly venomous snake found in waterways throughout the southern states but not in New Jersey.  While the Northern Water Snake may startle you, it will not harm you and wants to be left alone.


For the most part, constrictors exhibit shy and non aggressive behavior but will bite if cornered or handled.  Although their bite may hurt, it is not poisonous and the wound should be washed, disinfected and covered with a band-aid to prevent infection. 


The poisonous snakes, also known as pit vipers, that can be found in New Jersey are the Northern Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake (which is the only rattlesnake found in New Jersey).  Both of these snakes bite their prey and inject them with venom thus poisoning and in many cases, but not all, killing the prey.  These snakes should be avoided if at all possible. 


The Northern Copperhead, commonly known as “copperhead”, is the first of the venomous snakes mentioned above.  The adult measures approximately 24”-36”, is a reddish-brown color with darker hourglass bands and is easily camouflaged in the leaf litter of a forest floor.  Small, dark spots are frequently present between the cross bands and dark, rounded spots can be seen at the sides of the belly.  Northern Copperheads are often spotted by campers as they favor rotting woodpiles in rocky, wooded areas that are usually mountainous.  Although their habitats are scattered throughout the northern regions of New Jersey, they are primarily located in Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon and Passaic Counties.

The Timber Rattlesnake, common in the northeast states can be anywhere from 36" – 60" when full grown with two color variations found in New Jersey:  (1) yellow variation exhibits black or dark brown cross bands on a background color of yellow or brown.  The cross bands may be v-shaped and break up into spots down the back of the snake; (2) black variation exhibits a heavy stippling of black or very dark brown that hides much of the lighter pigment.  It is not unusual to find a completely black snake.  Unrelated to their color variation, the Timber Rattlesnake found in New Jersey has two distinct populations and habitat requirements.  In northern New Jersey, Timber Rattlesnakes are found in rocky, wooded ledges where they den in south-facing slopes while in the Pine Barrens, Timber Rattlesnakes have scattered populations found in swamps and pine-oak forests, where they den along riverbeds.


Poisonous or Non Poisonous?  If you are close enough to the snake, you can often answer this question by taking a good look.  Constrictors or non poisonous snakes have a round shaped eye, whereas poisonous snakes have an eye that is more oval in shape and somewhat resembles the shape of a cats eye.  However, if you are unsure of which type of snake you are dealing with, or elect not to venture to close, it is best to continue to keep your distance and leave it alone. The best way to avoid being bitten by any snake is to stay alert while camping or hiking and never put your hands or feet anywhere you can not see.  The snake is as afraid of you as you are of it, so in most cases, if you leave it alone it will move out of the area.  Remember, when you are camping, you have entered the snake’s habitat so do your best to let it be.

Till Next Time


Eric

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