Asking for ID

My friend you have a northern pine snake. Very nice find.
Matt

I am NOT a "snake person"...so "very nice find" isn't exactly how I would describe the encounter--especially since I frequently hike the many trails in that park and had no idea that a snake that large lurked nearby.

I'm just glad I didn't accidently run over it.

So, I learned something today..and that makes the day worth living.

Although the snake is large, they do get larger but are no threat. Don't plan on encountering them frequently unless you've discovered a healthy population. They are rather secretive, but to me it's a nice find cause I AM a snake person. I'm just glad you didn't needlessly kill it like most folks would.

Matt

Northern Pines are also protected in the state of NJ and you can't even fart on one. Very nice find, you should consider yourself lucky as most people who go to NJ hunting for northern pines never find one. You have been truly blessed by seeing that animal in the wild.