A large snake spotted climbing a tree in the New Jersey Pine Barrens is drawing attention online — and serving as a reminder that the Garden State has a much more diverse snake population than many residents realize.
The video, shared by Wake Up NJ and credited to the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, identifies the animal as a Northern Pine Snake, a native species associated with the sandy forests of southern New Jersey.
Northern Pine Snakes are not venomous, but their size can make them look intimidating. They are powerful constrictors and spend much of their time on or below the ground, although, as the video shows, they are also capable climbers.
The species is considered threatened in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Pine Barrens are one of its important habitats.
New Jersey is actually home to 22 species of snakes, according to NJ Fish & Wildlife. Most are harmless to people and play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling populations of rodents and other small animals.
Only two native venomous species occur in New Jersey: the Eastern Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake. Their ranges are limited, and state wildlife officials note that snakes generally try to avoid people rather than confront them.
In fact, NJ Fish & Wildlife says that roughly 9 out of 10 snakes reported to the agency as “venomous” turn out to be nonvenomous species. Identification can be difficult because color and markings can vary considerably.
The Pinelands are particularly rich in reptiles and amphibians. Along with the Northern Pine Snake, the region supports species such as the corn snake, eastern hognose snake and Pine Barrens treefrog.
And if you happen to encounter one, the state’s advice is simple: give it space. New Jersey’s native snakes are protected wildlife, and it is illegal to kill, harm, harass or collect them.
So yes — snakes in New Jersey can climb trees.
And apparently, some of them are quite good at it.
Source: New Jersey Pinelands Commission, X post: “Just a big (native northern pine) snake in the New Jersey Pine Barrens…”
By NJ RADAR Team