Snakes in New Jersey

New Jersey has two venomous snakes- the timber rattlesnake, and northern copperhead, scattered in the northern and southern part of the state. Both these venomous snakes have decreased in numbers, classified as snakes of special concern here. The black rat snake is New Jersey’s biggest, measuring between 42 and 84 inches. Eastern worm snake is the state’s smallest, at 7-14 inches.

Snakes in New Jersey (NJ)
GroupVenomousNon-venomous
Pit VipersNorthern Copperhead–
RattlesnakesTimber Rattlesnake–
Water Snakes–Common Water Snake
Garter Snakes Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern Ribbon Snake
Kingsnakes–Eastern Kingsnake
Milk Snake
Eastern Milksnake
Hognose Snakes–Eastern Hognose Snake
Diadophis  –Northern Ringneck Snake
Southern Ringneck Snake
Cemophora–Northern Scarlet Snake
Coluber–Northern Black Racer
Opheodrys Rough Green Snake
Smooth Green Snake
Storeria–DeKay’s Brownsnake
Northern Redbelly Snake
Pituophis–Northern Pine Snake
Carphophis–Eastern Worm Snake
Pantherophis–Black Rat Snake
Corn Snake
Virginia–Eastern Smooth Earthsnake
Regina–Queen Snake

Snakes by Colors and Patterns

Black Snakes: Northern Black Racer, Black Rat Snake, Northern Redbelly Snake

Brown Snakes: DeKay’s Brownsnake, Eastern Garter Snake

Snakes by Regions

Snakes in Northern New Jersey: Timber Rattlesnake, Northern Copperhead, Smooth Green Snake

Snakes in Southern New Jersey: Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Garter Snake, Rough Green Snake

Quick Information

Biggest Snake: Black Rat Snake

Smallest Snake: Eastern Worm Snake