Snakes Commonly Found in Mercer, Ocean, Monmouth, Somerset, & Middlesex County

1. Garter Snake

• Description: Olive brown to black with three long stripes from head to tail.

• Habitat: Often near homes; may hibernate under siding.

• Behavior: First to emerge from hibernation, as early as mid-March.

• Notes: Non-venomous and harmless to humans.

2. Northern Water Snake

• Description: Brown or gray with darker brown, reddish, or black bands.

• Habitat: Freshwater streams, ponds, lakes, swamps, marshes, bogs.

• Notes: Often mistaken for venomous snakes like the cottonmouth (which doesn’t exist in NJ). Non-venomous.

3. Eastern Milk Snake

• Description: Often confused with venomous snakes due to its pattern.

• Habitat: Barns and buildings where rodents are present.

• Notes: Non-venomous, beneficial for rodent control.

4. Black Rat Snake

• Description: NJ’s largest snake, black in color.

• Habitat: Rural and semi-suburban areas.

• Notes: Non-venomous, helps control rodents.

5. Northern Black Racer

• Description: Slender, fast-moving, black snake.

• Habitat: Rural and semi-suburban areas.

• Notes: Non-venomous.

6. Other Common Snakes in Central NJ

• Northern Brown Snake – small, non-venomous.

• Northern Redbelly Snake – small, non-venomous.

• Northern Ringneck Snake – small, non-venomous.

• Eastern Ribbon Snake – slender, non-venomous, semi-aquatic.

Important Notes

• Non-venomous: All these snakes are non-venomous and play an important ecological role, especially in controlling rodents and insects.

• Misidentifications: Northern water snakes and Eastern milk snakes are often mistaken for venomous snakes.

• Venomous snakes: New Jersey has very few venomous snakes (mainly copperheads and timber rattlesnakes, which are rare and not common in the central counties mentioned).