Woman hospitalized with copperhead snake bite in Bridgewater; residents warned to take precautions
A response team member searched the woman's property and neighboring properties for any signs of copperhead snakes but found none.
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Bridgewater residents are being advised to take precautions after a venomous copperhead snake bite put a woman in the hospital.
The incident happened on Brown Road in Bridgewater a little more than a week ago. Neighbors say the woman was bit by a venomous copperhead snake in her driveway.
She was immediately taken to the hospital to be treated for the bite. Several days later, the woman contacted New Jersey Fish and Wildlife to report the incident on July 27. News 12 was told she was hospitalized for a number of days on antivenom and still can't walk.
Within 24 hours, a response team member searched the resident's property and neighboring properties for any signs of copperhead snakes but found none.
Officials are warning anyone nearby to remain cautious. Copperhead snakes are typically 2-4 feet long with brown (or copper) coloration. They have hourglass-shaped brown splotches on their skin and have a triangle-shaped head with yellow, golden, or brown eyes, and cat-like pupils.
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New Jersey Fish and Wildlife says portions of Bridgewater are in the known range of copperhead populations in New Jersey. The snakes can be most active between May and October. They’re usually found beneath leaf piles or in potted plants.
Residents living nearby are urged to wear closed-toed shoes and use a flashlight when outdoors at night.
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Steve Lengen, NJ Snake Man, says New Jersey has only has two venomous snakes, the timber rattlesnake and the northern copperhead. He says both snakes have a venom that is extremely painful if someone is bitten.
"You do have time to get to the hospital. It’s most likely not going to be life-threatening. If you do [get bit], get the proper care. You will know right away that you have been bitten by something venomous because it’s going to hurt a lot," Lengen said.
