Snakes in New Jersey: Garden State Slitherers
Did you know that in New Jersey, you can find quite a variety of slithery friends? That’s right, there are no less than 15 species of snakes to discover and learn about in this great state!
From the venomous to the harmless, large to small, New Jersey has a fantastic array of snake species to pique your interest. Whether you’re an amateur herpetologist or just casually curious, there’s something for everyone.
So stick around, as we explore the fascinating world of New Jersey snakes and uncover the secrets of these intriguing creatures. Let’s dive in!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) |
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| 2 | Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) |
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| 3 | Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) |
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| 4 | Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) |
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| 5 | Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) |
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| 6 | Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) |
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| 7 | Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) |
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| 8 | Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus) |
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| 9 | Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) |
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| 10 | Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) |
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| 11 | Red Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) |
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| 12 | Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) |
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| 13 | Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea) |
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| 14 | Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) |
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| 15 | Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) |
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15 Snakes You Can Find in New Jersey
In the state of New Jersey, a fascinating array of serpents can be found slithering through its diverse landscapes. From venomous to harmless, each species has its unique story to tell. Below, we’ll explore the wonders of these often misunderstood creatures of New Jersey, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.
1. Dekay’s Brownsnake
- Scientific Name: Storeria dekayi
- Common Name: Dekay’s brown snake
- Size: 9-15 inches (23-38 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
- Color: Brown or gray with dark spots
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: 9-15 inches (23-38 cm)
- Diet: Earthworms, slugs, and other soft-bodied invertebrates
- Reproduction: Give birth to live young (ovoviviparous), 3-40 offspring
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Dekay’s Brownsnake
Dekay’s Brownsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Dekay’s Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi, commonly known as Dekay’s Brown Snake, is a small, non-venomous reptile, measuring 9-15 inches (23-38 cm) in length. Its brown or gray body features dark spots, and it inhabits forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas. Exhibiting terrestrial, nocturnal, and secretive behavior, its diet consists primarily of earthworms, slugs, and other soft-bodied invertebrates. A fascinating ovoviviparous species, Dekayís Brown Snake gives birth to live young, bearing 3-40 offspring. Its current conservation status is classified as least concern.
2. Eastern Copperhead
- Scientific Name: Agkistrodon contortrix
- Common Name: Eastern copperhead
- Size: Up to 3 feet (90 centimeters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, swamps, and river bottoms
- Color: Reddish-brown with hourglass-shaped bands
- Habitat: Forests, swamps, and river bottoms
- Maximum Size: Up to 3 feet (90 centimeters)
- Diet: Small rodents, birds, frogs, and insects
- Reproduction: Live-bearing, 2-18 young per litter
- Venom: Venomous, hemotoxic venom
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Copperhead
Eastern Copperhead Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Copperhead
The Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake that can grow up to 3 feet (90cm) in length. Its distinctive reddish-brown body features hourglass-shaped bands and prefers habitats such as forests, swamps, and river bottoms of New Jersey. These nocturnal, terrestrial creatures primarily feed on small rodents, birds, frogs, and insects. Eastern Copperheads are live-bearing, with litters ranging from 2-18 young. Their hemotoxic venom can be dangerous, but their conservation status is considered least concern.
3. Eastern Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
- Common Name: Eastern garter snake
- Size: Up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
- Color: Brown, green or gray with three yellow stripes
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters)
- Diet: Earthworms, amphibians, fish, and small mammals
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-40
- Venom: Mildly venomous but harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Garter Snake
The Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) is a commonly found snake species that can grow up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters) in length. It displays a brown, green, or gray coloration adorned with three yellow stripes. Inhabitants of forests, grasslands, wetlands and urban areas, these diurnal and terrestrial reptiles primarily feed on earthworms, amphibians, fish, and small mammals. Eastern Garter Snakes reproduce by laying 10-40 eggs per clutch, and although they are mildly venomous, their venom poses little risk to humans. They are currently classified under the least concern category in conservation status.
4. Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
- Scientific Name: Heterodon platirhinos
- Common Name: Eastern hog-nosed snake
- Size: 20-33 inches (51-84 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas
- Color: Highly variable, typically brown or gray with dark blotches
- Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas
- Maximum Size: 20-33 inches (51-84 cm)
- Diet: Mostly toads, but also other amphibians and small mammals
- Reproduction: Lay eggs, 4-60 per clutch
- Venom: Mild venom, harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is a moderately-sized serpent, reaching lengths of 20-33 inches (51-84 cm). Its coloration is highly variable, typically exhibiting brown or gray hues with dark blotches. Inhabiting woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas, this diurnal snake is known for playing dead when threatened. Its diet mainly consists of toads, along with other amphibians and small mammals. It reproduces by laying 4-60 eggs per clutch, has mild venom harmless to humans, and is classified as of “Least Concern” in conservation efforts.
5. Eastern Kingsnake
- Scientific Name: Lampropeltis getula
- Common Name: Eastern kingsnake
- Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, wetlands, grasslands, and suburban areas
- Color: Black or dark brown with white or yellow bands
- Habitat: Forests, wetlands, grasslands, and suburban areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters)
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-24
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Kingsnake
Eastern Kingsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Kingsnake
The Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) is a non-venomous snake, reaching up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) long. Its black or dark brown body features white or yellow bands. Commonly found in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and suburban areas, these diurnal and terrestrial snakes are known for their diverse diet, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Eastern Kingsnakes reproduce by laying clutches of 3-24 eggs. They are relatively unthreatened, maintaining a conservation status of “Least Concern.”
6. Eastern Milksnake
- Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum
- Common Name: Eastern milksnake
- Size: Up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas
- Color: Reddish-brown with y-shaped black-edged white bands
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, small birds, and reptiles
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-20
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Milksnake
Eastern Milksnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Milksnake
The Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) is a non-venomous snake that grows up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) in length. It features a reddish-brown color adorned with Y-shaped black-edged white bands. Commonly found in forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas of New Jersey, this nocturnal and terrestrial snake primarily consumes rodents, small birds, and reptiles. Eastern Milksnakes reproduce by laying egg clutches of 3-20. Currently, their conservation status is listed as least concern.
7. Eastern Rat Snake
- Scientific Name: Pantherophis alleghaniensis
- Common Name: Eastern rat snake
- Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, meadows, wetlands, and urban areas
- Color: Black or dark gray with pale gray, tan, or yellow
- Habitat: Forests, meadows, wetlands, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, and bird eggs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 5-27
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Rat Snake
Eastern Rat Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Rat Snake
The Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) is a large, non-venomous reptile that can reach 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. They have a black or dark gray color with patches of pale gray, tan, or yellow. Found in forests, meadows, wetlands, and urban areas, these semi-arboreal snakes have diurnal or nocturnal behavior depending on temperature. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, and bird eggs. Eastern Rat Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 5-27 and have a conservation status marked as “Least Concern.”
8. Eastern Ribbon Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sauritus sauritus
- Common Name: Eastern ribbon snake
- Size: 18-34 inches (45-86 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Wetlands, swamps, and marshes near water
- Color: Black, greenish, or brown with three distinct light stripes
- Habitat: Wetlands, swamps, and marshes near water
- Maximum Size: 18-34 inches (45-86 cm)
- Diet: Frogs, toads, small fish, and insects
- Reproduction: Lay 3-27 eggs, sometimes communal with other snakes
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Ribbon Snake
Eastern Ribbon Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Ribbon Snake
The Eastern Ribbon Snake, scientifically known as Thamnophis sauritus sauritus, is a non-venomous reptile measuring 18-34 inches (45-86 cm). It inhabits wetlands, swamps, and marshes near water and features a distinctive black, greenish, or brown color with three light stripes. Known for their daytime activity and skittish behavior, these snakes are excellent swimmers with a diet comprising frogs, toads, small fish, and insects. They reproduce by laying 3-27 eggs, sometimes communally with other snakes. Their conservation status is of least concern.
9. Northern Water Snake
- Scientific Name: Nerodia sipedon
- Common Name: Northern water snake
- Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes
- Color: Brown or gray with dark bands or blotches
- Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes
- Maximum Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters)
- Diet: Fish, amphibians, and invertebrates
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Water Snake
Northern Water Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Water Snake
The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a non-venomous reptile that can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in length. It is characterized by its brown or gray color with dark bands or blotches. This nocturnal and semi-aquatic species can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes. Its diet consists of fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Northern Water Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10-30, and currently have a conservation status of least concern.
10. Pine Snake
- Scientific Name: Pituophis melanoleucus
- Common Name: Pine snake
- Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, fields, and sandy areas
- Color: Cream, tan, or gray with dark splotches
- Habitat: Forests, fields, and sandy areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Diet: Rodents and other small mammals, occasionally birds and eggs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-24
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Pine Snake
Pine Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Pine Snake
The Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) is a large, non-venomous reptile that can reach up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. Its primary colors include cream, tan, and gray with dark splotches. Native to forests, fields, and sandy areas, they are primarily terrestrial and fossorial creatures. Pine Snakes feed on rodents and small mammals, and occasionally birds and eggs. They reproduce by laying egg clutches, consisting of 3-24 eggs. Pine Snake’s conservation status is listed as least concern.
11. Red Corn Snake
- Scientific Name: Pantherophis guttatus
- Common Name: Corn snake or red rat snake
- Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and abandoned buildings
- Color: Reddish-orange with black-bordered red blotches
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and abandoned buildings
- Maximum Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, and eggs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Red Corn Snake
Red Corn Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Red Corn Snake
The Red Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus), also known as the Red Rat Snake, is a non-venomous snake species with a reddish-orange color and distinct black-bordered red blotches. It can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters), inhabiting various environments, including forests, grasslands, and abandoned buildings. These nocturnal, semi-arboreal creatures primarily feed on rodents, birds, and eggs. Corn snakes reproduce by laying 10-30 eggs in clutches and are currently deemed a species of least concern in conservation status.
12. Rough Green Snake
- Scientific Name: Opheodrys aestivus
- Common Name: Rough green snake
- Size: 22-32 inches (56-81 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and areas near water sources
- Color: Bright green with a lighter belly
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and areas near water sources
- Maximum Size: 22-32 inches (56-81 cm)
- Diet: Insects and spiders
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-12
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Rough Green Snake
Rough Green Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Rough Green Snake
The Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) is a vibrant, non-venomous reptile that measures between 22-32 inches (56-81 cm) in length. Its dazzling bright green coloration is accentuated by a lighter belly, making it well-camouflaged in its preferred habitats of forests, grasslands, and areas near water sources. Known for their diurnal, arboreal behavior, these skillful climbers of New Jersey primarily consume insects and spiders. Rough Green Snakes reproduce by laying clutches of 3-12 eggs, and their conservation status is currently classified as least concern.
13. Scarlet Snake
- Scientific Name: Cemophora coccinea
- Common Name: Scarlet snake
- Size: Up to 20-30 inches (50-76 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and suburban areas
- Color: Red or orangish with black bands and a white or yellowish underbelly
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and suburban areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 20-30 inches (50-76 cm)
- Diet: Reptile eggs, small rodents, and lizards
- Reproduction: Lays eggs in clutches of 3-8
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Scarlet Snake
Scarlet Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Scarlet Snake
The Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea) is a non-venomous, nocturnal reptile found in forests, grasslands, and suburban areas. Measuring up to 20-30 inches (50-76 cm) in length, it features striking red or orangish scales with black bands and a white or yellowish underbelly. This burrowing snake has a diet consisting of reptile eggs, small rodents, and lizards. Females lay eggs in clutches of 3-8. With a conservation status of least concern, the Scarlet Snake continues to thrive in its habitats.
14. Smooth Green Snake
- Scientific Name: Opheodrys vernalis
- Common Name: Smooth green snake
- Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands
- Color: Bright green with a lighter belly
- Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands
- Maximum Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm)
- Diet: Insects and spiders
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-12
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Smooth Green Snake
Smooth Green Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Smooth Green Snake
The Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) measures 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) and is characterized by its vibrant green color and lighter belly. Commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands, this diurnal and terrestrial reptile is an adept climber. Its diet mainly consists of insects and spiders. In terms of reproduction, they lay eggs in clutches of 3-12. Though non-venomous, these snakes should be admired from afar. Fortunately, their conservation status is currently listed as ‘Least Concern.’
15. Timber Rattlesnake
- Scientific Name: Crotalus horridus
- Common Name: Timber rattlesnake
- Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky hillsides
- Color: Yellow, brown, gray, or black with dark bands
- Habitat: Forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky hillsides
- Maximum Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, and small mammals
- Reproduction: Viviparous, giving birth to 4-14 live young
- Venom: Hemotoxic venom
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Timber Rattlesnake
Timber Rattlesnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake, scientifically known as Crotalus horridus, is a solitary, ambush predator that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. It comes in various colors, including yellow, brown, gray, or black with dark bands, and inhabits forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky hillsides. Its diet consists of rodents, birds, and small mammals. Unlike most snakes, the Timber Rattlesnake is viviparous, giving birth to 4-14 live young. It possesses hemotoxic venom, and its conservation status is currently listed as least concern.
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Final Words
All the 15 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in New Jersey. Who knew there were so many different types of these slithering reptiles, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats?
Not only did we get a chance to learn about some of the more common and well-known species, but we also delved into the lesser-known and often misunderstood ones.
So, the next time you’re out and about in New Jersey, keep an eye out for these incredible creatures, and let’s continue to appreciate and protect the diverse wildlife that makes our world so interesting!
What Types of Snakes Can Be Found in New Jersey?
New Jersey is home to a variety of snake species in its wildlife, including the Eastern rat snake, the Northern water snake, the Eastern garter snake, and the Black racer. These snakes in delaware wildlife discovery offer an exciting glimpse into the diverse and fascinating reptile population of the region.
Are There Dangerous Snakes Found in New Jersey?
Yes, there are dangerous snakes found in New Jersey, including the venomous timber rattlesnake and copperhead. It’s important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking or spending time outdoors. Remember to prioritize safety over snakes and manicures when exploring nature in New Jersey.
