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    • Venomous copperhead snake spotted in Watchung
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    Venomous copperhead snake spotted in Watchung

    Vaseline Posted on

    WATCHUNG, NJ — A northern copperhead snake has been spotted in Watchung, police said in an alert to residents Monday.

    The snake was found near Scott Drive, near Watchung Lake and Watchung Circle.

    “Residents should be aware that this is a venomous snake,” Watchung police said Monday morning.

    Discover what’s happening in Bridgewaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

    There are two species of venomous snakes known to inhabit the New Jersey region: the timber rattlesnake and the northern copperhead snake.

    Between 1999 and 2023, there have been 16 reported cases of venomous snake bites on humans in New Jersey that NJ Fish & Wildlife officials are aware of, a senior press officer for NJ DEP previously told Patch.

    Discover what’s happening in Bridgewaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

    However, these are only the reported cases, as hospitals are not required to report such incidents. In addition, doctors in New Jersey do not necessarily have experience identifying venomous snakes or snakebites. Read more: What are the chances of being bitten by a poisonous snake in New Jersey?

    The Northern Copperhead Snake likes to live in rocky fields, berry bushes, woodlands, farmlands, and even old mulch piles.

    Copperhead snakes are two shades of copper or a reddish brown color. The lighter background color and darker pattern form an hourglass shape. The bands on the sides of the snake are wider and the bands across the back are narrower.

    The head is plain copper-coloured. Young copperheads have a tail with a yellow tip.

    “No one has ever died from a copperhead bite in (New Jersey). These snakes will not chase you, but they will defend themselves if they feel threatened,” according to the NJDEP.

    If you encounter a copperhead snake, keep your distance.

    These snakes give birth to six to seventeen young between mid-August and early October.

    If you see a copperhead snake, contact the NJ Fish & Wildlife Snake Helpline at 1-877-927-6337.

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