Venomous Copperhead Snake Spotted In Somerset County

WATCHUNG, NJ — A Northern Copperhead Snake has been spotted in Watchung, police said in an alert to residents on Monday.

The snake was reported in the area of Scott Drive, which is near Watchung Lake and the Watchung Circle.

"Residents should be aware that this is a venomous snake," said Watchung Police on Monday morning.

There are two types of venomous snakes known in the New Jersey area - Timber Rattlesnakes and Northern Copperheads.

From 1999 to 2023, there have been 16 reported venomous snake bite occurrences to humans in New Jersey that NJ Fish & Wildlife staff are aware of, an NJ DEP Senior Press Officer told Patch previously.

However, those are just the reported cases as hospitals are not required to report such incidents nor are New Jersey doctors necessarily experienced in identifying venomous snakes or venomous snake bites. Read More: What's Your Chance Of Being Bitten By A Venomous Snake In New Jersey?

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

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

The head is a solid copper color. Young copperheads have a yellow-tipped tail.

"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 6 to 17 young in mid-August to early October.

If you see a Copperhead snake contact the NJ Fish & Wildlife snake hotline at 1-877-927-6337.

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