Garter Snake Retrieved in Matawan, NJ

Challenge

We received a call from a homeowner in Matawan, NJ who found a snake in his backyard. When we arrived, the homeowner showed us a picture of the snake and we identified it as a garter snake.

The garter snake is, by far, the most common snake found in NJ, often making itself comfortable around homes. These snakes often hibernate under the siding of a home. They are the first snakes to emerge from hibernation and can be seen as early as mid-March. Its color varies from olive-brown to black and typically has three long stripes extending from head to tail. Garter snakes are relatively harmless to humans. In fact, they are often kept as pets. Although some species do possess a mild neurotoxic venom, it's not dangerous to humans.

Solution

A short while after setting up our retrieval devices, we safely retrieved the garter snake. We will not relocate it to a new, humane location.