New Jersey’s diversified ecology has several amphibians and reptiles. Most snakes in New Jersey are harmless and vital to the environment. Some areas are densely populated and home to deadly snakes.
You may spot timber rattlesnakes at Atsion Lake and venomous copperhead snakes at Round Valley Reservoir. Don’t allow the slithering creatures prevent you from visiting these outdoor spaces—they provide many recreational activities.
Lake Hopatcong
The wetlands and woods around Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest freshwater reservoir, are home to many snake species. The eastern garter and northern water snakes are common here.
Non-venomous northern water snakes inhabit Lake Hopatcong. They swim near the coast or lounge on rocks. They are dark-banded and 4 feet long.
Bullhead catfish, minnows, sunfish, and brook trout are eaten. The eastern garter snake, with three pale stripes on its dark body, lives in grassy areas around the lake. These snakes eat insects, frogs, birds, small fish, and toads. They usually run (or slither) away if they see you and aren’t violent until threatened.
Lake Manasquan
This 770-acre Monmouth County reservoir offers hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. Small and harmless, the northern brown snake is tan, gray, or brown. Dark patches on either side and broad, lighter brown stripes down its back.
These snakes eat snails, salamanders, and beetles, but mostly earthworms and slugs. Non-venomous eastern worm snakes are also seen around the reservoir.
This snake protects itself with a musky smell. Worm snakes are named for their “wormy” appearance, which includes brown, gray, or black backs and pink or white bellies. They consume earthworms.
Lake Atsion
Atsion Lake, one of several Wharton State Forest lakes, has several ecosystems. Visit historic Batsto Village and enjoy hiking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, picnics, fishing, and camping.
The common northern water snake thrives in the forest’s various water sources. Beautiful creatures can be spotted hunting fish and amphibians or lounging on rocks.
Their black bands and gray, tan, buff, or brown bodies distinguish them. These innocuous snakes are often confused for copperheads or cottonmouths.
Timber rattlesnakes are big, multicolored. Gray with occasional pink striations down their backs. These can feature pink, black, brown, yellow, or orange stripes. These ambush predators eat amphibians, lizards, birds, and small rodents.
Assunpink Lake
One of three lakes in Assunpink Wildlife Management, which has 6,393 acres of farms, hedgerows, forests, and wetlands. Eastern hog-nosed snakes have gray, tan, pink, yellow, orange, or red bodies with black or dark-brown splotches.
Since they like sandy soils, these snakes may be found near lakes or rivers. Hog-nosed snakes eat frogs, salamanders, birds, lizards, and small animals. These mild-venomed snakes rarely bite or attack.
You may also see the smooth green snake. They are little, bright green snakes that hide under grass. Caterpillars, crickets, moth larvae, spiders, tiny insects, slugs, grasshoppers, ants, snails, and worms are non-venomous snake food.
Reservoir Round Valley
The largest reservoir and second-deepest lake in New Jersey is Round Valley Reservoir, with 2,350 acres and 180 feet deep. Located in Hunterdon County.
Slender and fast, the eastern ribbon snake is often spotted near water. Yellow stripes cover its body. These diurnal snakes eat freshwater fish, salamanders, and frogs. Eastern ribbon snakes are harmless but will flee if threatened.
Nighttime pit vipers have dark, chestnut-brown, or reddish-brown crossbands and heads. Copperheads may eat 10–12 meals a year, depending on prey size.