Numerous amphibians and reptiles can be found in New Jersey’s diverse ecosystem. In the Garden State, the majority of snakes are benign and essential to the ecology.
However, some regions are more thickly inhabited than others and offer venomous snake habitat.
For instance, you might encounter poisonous copperhead snakes in Round Valley Reservoir, and you might even see a timber rattlesnake at Atsion Lake.
Don’t let the slithering creatures deter you from visiting these outdoor spaces, though, since they offer a wealth of recreational activities.
Lake Hopatcong
Numerous snake species can flourish in the surrounding wetlands and wooded parts of Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest freshwater reservoir. The eastern garter snake and the northern water snake are common snakes in this area.
Common in Lake Hopatcong, the northern water snake is non-venomous. They can be found swimming close to the coast or lounging on rocks. They can reach a length of 4 feet and have a characteristic dark banding pattern.
They eat bullhead catfish, minnows, sunfish, and brook trout.
The grassy regions surrounding the lake are frequently home to the eastern garter snake, which is easily identified by the three light stripes that run along its dark body.
These snakes consume insects, frogs, birds, tiny fish, and toads. They will probably run (or slither) away if they spot you, and they are typically not aggressive unless threatened.
Manasquan Reservoir
This 770-acre reservoir in Monmouth County provides hiking, biking, boating, and fishing.
Typically tan, gray, or brown in appearance, the northern brown snake is a small, innocuous snake that lives in the region. It has dark patches on either side and broad, lighter brown stripes running down its back.
Although they will consume snails, salamanders, and beetles, these snakes primarily consume earthworms and slugs.
The eastern worm snake is another non-venomous snake that can be seen around the reservoir.
This snake releases a musky odor to protect itself. Although they eat earthworms, worm snakes got their name from their “wormy” look, which includes brown, gray, or black backs with pink or white bellies.
Don’t worry if you run into this small fella. This little snake doesn’t bite and is blind.
Atsion Lake
Atsion Lake, one of several lakes in the Wharton State Forest, is home to a variety of ecosystems. Savor beautiful hiking paths, kayaking or canoeing, swimming, picnics, fishing, and camping while discovering old Batsto Village.
The northern water snake is a common species that flourishes in the forest’s many water sources. These magnificent animals may be seen hunting fish and amphibians or relaxing on rocks.
They can be identified by their black bands and gray, tan, buff, or brown bodies. These harmless snakes are frequently mistaken for copperheads or cottonmouths.
Timber rattlesnakes are huge, multicolored vipers. They are gray with sporadic pink striations down their backs. They can have pink, black, brown, yellow, or orange stripes.
As ambush predators, these snakes consume amphibians, lizards, birds, and small rodents.
Assunpink Lake
This lake is one of three in Assunpink Wildlife Management, which includes 6,393 acres of farms, hedgerows, woodlands, and wetlands.
Eastern hog-nosed snakes can be identified by their gray, tan, pink, yellow, orange, or red bodies with black or dark-brown splotches.
You may encounter these snakes close to a lake or river since they prefer sandy soils. Frogs, salamanders, small animals, birds, and lizards are among the prey of hog-nosed snakes. These snakes are rarely aggressive and rarely bite, despite their mild venom.
The smooth green snake is another snake that you can encounter. They live in grassy places and are little, bright green snakes that are good at hiding.
Caterpillars, crickets, moth larvae, spiders, tiny insects, slugs, grasshoppers, ants, snails, and worms are among the non-venomous food sources for this snake.
Round Valley Reservoir
The Round Valley Reservoir, which is 2,350 acres in size and reaches a depth of about 180 feet, is the largest reservoir and second-deepest lake in New Jersey. It is situated in Hunterdon County.
The eastern ribbon snake, which is frequently seen near water, is slender and swift. Its body is striped with yellow.
These snakes are diurnal and consume freshwater fish, salamanders, and frogs. Eastern ribbon snakes are harmless, however if they feel threatened, they will run away.
One deadly snake to be aware of is the copperhead.
These nocturnal pit vipers have dark, chestnut-brown, or reddish-brown crossbands and reddish-brown heads. Depending on the size of their prey, copperheads may only consume 10 to 12 meals year.
They eat insects, frogs, turtles, lizards, snakes, and mammals. Avoiding copperheads is the recommended course of action if you come across one. Give it plenty of space and stay away.
