It Is Illegal to Kill This Venomous New Jersey Snake

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife are constantly keeping track of the endangered and threatened species in the state. According to their site, an endangered species is, "[A species] whose protects for survival in New Jersey [is] in immediate danger...Assistance is needed to prevent further extinction in New Jersey." While a threatened species is, [A species] who may become endangered if conditions surrounding them begin to or continue to deteriorate."

One New Jersey snake, in particular, may strike fear with just a shake of its tail, however, it is illegal to get rid of the snake. The Eastern Timber Rattlesnake is only one of two venomous species in New Jersey and one of three endangered snake species in the state.

By law, it is illegal to kill an endangered species. The New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act, "prohibits taking, possessing, transporting, exporting, processing, selling, or shipping listed species." According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service explains, "'Take' is defined by the law as harassing, hunting, capturing, or killing, or attempting to do so."

If you have any questions concerning endangered species in New Jersey, you can contact the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Endangered and Nongame Species department at 609-292-9400.