NatureNature SeriesSeries

The Monmouth County Park System has two envi- ronmental centers dedicated to nature education. ew animals produce as much Each has a trained staff of naturalists to answer FF apprehension in people as snakes visitor questions and a variety of displays, exhibits, Snakes do. Perhaps it is their unblinking stare, and hands-on activities where visitors of all ages Snakes can learn about area wildlife and natural history. of Monmouth County forked tongue, or the way they slither The Huber Woods Environmental Center, on across the ground. Whatever the reason, Brown’s Dock Road in the Locust Section of snakes have paid a high price for our Middletown, features newly renovated exhibits fear. However, it is possible to change about birds, plants, wildlife and the Lenape Indians. Miles of surrounding offer many opportunities this fear into understanding through to enjoy and view nature education. People can then learn to Park System Naturalists give snake demonstrations appreciate snakes for the important throughout the year at programs and events. This role they play in our environment. Corn Snake was on display at Earth Day, held at the Manasquan . Frequently Asked Questions About Snakes Are snakes slimy and cold? How fast can snakes move? Snakes are dry to the touch and their scales Snakes may look as if they move fast, but they generally feel smooth. Like all reptiles, body actually move rather slowly— 6 miles per hour temperature varies with the weather. They The Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, at the most. Snakes also become sluggish in could feel cold or warm. The correct term for on Georgia Tavern Road in Howell specializes in cold temperatures. this is ectothermic, rather than “cold blooded.” species. The center has many water- How long can snakes be? related displays and exhibits to learn about local Can snakes hear sounds? Some snakes can grow quite long, but New plants and wildlife. The 5-mile perimeter is a In a way, yes. Snakes do not have external ears, Jersey’s longest snake grows no larger than 8 great place to explore and enjoy nature. but do respond to ground vibration. It is not feet. The average length of most snakes is 2-3 clear if they can pick up airborne sounds. feet, but their shape makes them seem longer. Why does a snake stick out its tongue? I saw a snake in my yard. Is it dangerous? And why is it forked? Unless touched or cornered, snakes will Snakes flick their tongues to gather chemical generally try to flee from human contact. This traces (tastes). The tongue is then inserted is also true for ’s two venomous into two pits on the roof of the mouth called species, the Northern Copperhead and the the Jacobson’s organ where it is analyzed. The endangered Timber Rattlesnake. However, you Garter Snake tongue is forked to help the snake pinpoint should never attempt to pick up a snake, since Monmouth County the direction of the chemical trace Board of Chosen Freeholders it will bite to defend itself. Board of Recreation Commissioners monmouthcountyparks.com A8487-01/09 Types of Snakes Snakes of Monmouth County

• Colubrids: the largest and most common New Jersey is home to 23 species of snakes; 18 of these live in Monmouth County. Venomous species such as the endangered Timber group, an example of which is the garter Rattlesnake, found in Northern NJ and the Pine Barrens region, and the Northern Copperhead, found in more mountainous regions, are not snake. generally found in Monmouth County. One of the most common snakes in this area is the Northern Water Snake (22-53 inches) is found The Northern Black Racer (34-77 inches) is a • Pit Vipers: all members are venomous. Eastern Garter Snake (18- 51 inches). This very in ponds and . It is often seen hunting large and common snake of open fields and bro- Named for heat sensing pits on their face, adaptable snake is found in a wide range of habi- for fish and frog or basking in the sun to regulate ken woodlands. It feeds on rodents, birds, frogs, examples include the rattlesnake and tats, including backyards. It hunts a variety of prey, its body temperature, as all reptiles must do. The and other small animals. copperhead. from earthworms to frogs, and is known for giving Water Snake is often confused with the venomous Other local snakes not described here include the birth to 10-30 (or more!) live young. Cottonmouth (or Water Moccasin), which is not “Coastal Plain” Milk, Eastern Smooth Earth, Eastern found in New Jersey. • Elapids: the highly venomous coral snake, Hognose, Eastern Ribbon Snake, Eastern King- not found in New Jersey, is the most snake, Eastern Milk, Eastern Worm, Northern Pine, common member. Northern Redbelly, Northern Ringneck, Northern Scarlet, Southern Ringneck, and Rough Green. Evolution Snake evolution is not fully understood but it is thought that they developed from lizards between 100-130 million years ago. Over time, snakes lost their limbs and their bodies/organs elongated. Garter Snake Water Snake The Black Rat Snake (34-101 inches) is Mon- mouth County’s longest snake, growing up to Northern Brown (DeKay’s) Snake (9-20 inches) 8 feet. It lives in woods and meadows and is an is also quite common. It can be found in swamps, adept climber. As the name implies, it feeds on moist woods, and even in urban and suburban rats and other rodents. areas. Like the Garter Snake, the Brown Snake eats Green Snake a variety of prey.

Visitors to Outdoor Expo, held each spring in Turkey Swamp Park, get up close and personal with a snake DeKay’s Brown Snake Black Rat Snake (John Mosseso/NBII.gov) Ribbon Snake