Wildlife officials in Somerset County, New Jersey, have issued a warning to be on the lookout for a northern copperhead in the Garden State borough of Watchung, less than an hour from New York City, after the animal was spotted there last week.
Northern copperheads are said to come in two varieties of copper or reddish brown color.
“The snake inhabits rocky areas, berry bushes, forests and farmland, and may even be found among old mulch piles,” the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife states in its publication “Snakes of New Jersey.”
The species is one of two venomous snakes found in New Jersey, according to the source.
“Pit vipers have been a long-time presence in the northern half of New Jersey, and most people who live in their area coexist with them without conflict and often don't even realize they're there,” says Tyler Christensen, a doctoral student studying copperheads at Rutgers University's School of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
“The best thing residents can do is learn how to distinguish copperheads from more common non-venomous snake species such as water snakes, milk snakes and garter snakes, and know what to do if they see a copperhead.”
The warning was issued for New Jersey, but the snake is also prevalent in other parts of the country.
Let's take a closer look here.
What else should I know about pit vipers?
Christensen told Fox News Digital that copperheads are not as dangerous as their reputation suggests.
“They are remarkably gentle and docile, and rely on camouflage rather than venom to protect themselves from predators and humans,” he noted.
“Bites are usually a last resort, and their venom is weaker than that of most venomous snakes.”
How do these snakes hide outdoors?
These snakes often blend into their surroundings.
“Copperheads are highly cryptic (i.e. camouflaged) and can be very hard to spot against a background of leaves, bushes and twigs,” Scott L. Parker, PhD, professor and chair of the biology department at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
Parker warned people if they see or encounter a copperhead, not to touch or approach it.
“Copperheads don't want anything to do with humans,” he says.
“They won't attack and will try to run away if left alone.”
“To avoid being accidentally bitten, keep your hands and feet out of sight, and be sure to wear shoes and use a flashlight when walking outside at dusk or after dark in the summer.”
Parker also said, “Millions of people in the eastern United States, particularly the Southeast, live in close proximity to copperheads and don't even realize they're nearby.”
What's the best way to stay safe?
To prevent encounters with copperheads, the University of Virginia offers these tips on their website:
- Wear boots when hiking and avoid open-toed shoes.
- Use a flashlight when walking after dark
- Be aware that snakes are commonly found near streams, rivers and lakes.
- Never touch or lift a snake
If you come across a copperhead in the wild, in most cases you should leave it alone, Rutgers' Christensen recommends.
“Most bites occur when humans try to handle or move the snake themselves,” he added.
“If you are bitten by a copperhead, do not try to catch or kill the snake,” he also said.
“Just go to the hospital and get some treatment.”
