Crime & Safety
Venomous Rattlesnakes Spotted In South Jersey
There have been several confirmed sightings in recent days of endangered timber rattlesnakes; an expert says it's mating season.
MANCHESTER, NJ — If you are out and about in your yard or near a wooded area and see a snake, stay away from it.
That's the advice Manchester Township police are giving in the wake of several confirmed sightings of timber rattlesnakes in the Roosevelt City section of Whiting over the past few days, Lt. Vincent Manco of the Manchester Township Police Department said.
Timber rattlesnakes are considered endangered in New Jersey.
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Manchester police contacted Robert T. Zappalorti, the executive director/president of Herpetological Associates Inc., who said it is currently mating season, when the male snakes seek out females, Manco said.
"While these snakes are present throughout the state, they are prevalent in Fox Hollow, Roosevelt City and Timber Green," Manco said.
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If you see a rattlesnake, the state Department of Environmental Protection advises the following:
• Do NOT approach a rattlesnake! The timber rattlesnake is basically a passive animal but can become defensive when threatened. Because rattlesnakes view humans as predators, your prolonged presence could encourage a defensive strike.
• NEVER attempt to handle a rattlesnake. This is extremely threatening to the rattlesnake and encourages defensive strikes. In addition, the timber rattlesnake is protected under the NJ Endangered Species Act. Therefore, it is illegal to kill, handle or harass a timber rattlesnake in New Jersey.
• Move a safe distance away from the snake. Rattlesnakes can strike at a distance of up to half their body length.
• IMMEDIATELY take note of the time, and call the Endangered and Nongame Species Program:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: 908-638-4381
After hours, weekends, holidays and when you cannot reach the biologist at the previous number: 1-877 WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
If you get bitten by a rattlesnake, dial 911 immediately. Click here for further information.
Photo of a timber rattlesnake from a sighting Wednesday in Manchester provided by Manchester Township police
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