Manchester Police Add Snake Handler To Job Skills

MANCHESTER, NJ — Police officers are expected to fill a variety of roles, from traffic control to first responders to community representatives.

In Manchester, police officers have added a new title: snake charmer.

The police department partnered with the state Division of Fish and Wildlife to receive specialized training to handle venomous snake complaints.

The training was provided to several officers who are now members of the Fish and Wildlife division's Endangered and Nongame Species Program’s Venomous Snake Response Team (VSRT).

"This specialized training allows us to safely assist residents when timber rattlesnakes are found where they aren't wanted," the police department said in a post on the department's Facebook page.

"The timber rattlesnake is one of two venomous snakes in New Jersey," the police department said, adding that they and other snakes have an important role in our ecosystem as they are both predator and prey.

"Even our rattlesnakes have many predators," the police department said.

The New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act protects all of the state's native, nongame wildlife, including snakes. This makes it illegal to kill, harm, harass or collect any native snakes or their parts (such as rattles, heads, shed skins, eggs, etc.).

With the cold weather starting to move it, the likelihood of encountering timber rattlers is small for now, but when the weather warms in the spring, the newly trained snake handlers will be ready to assist.

Some reminders from the state Department of Environmental Protection regarding what to do if you encounter a timber rattlesnake:

• Do NOT approach a rattlesnake! The timber rattlesnake is basically a passive animal, but can become defensive when threatened. Because rattlesnakes view humans as predators, your prolonged presence could encourage a defensive strike.
• NEVER attempt to handle a rattlesnake. This is extremely threatening to the rattlesnake, and encourages defensive strikes. In addition, the timber rattlesnake is protected under the NJ Endangered Species Act. Therefore, it is illegal to kill, handle or harass a timber rattlesnake in New Jersey.
• Move a safe distance away from the snake. Rattlesnakes can strike at a distance of up to half their body length.
• IMMEDIATELY take note of the time and call the Endangered and Nongame Species Program:

Southern region: (609) 628-2103

Northern region: (908) 735-8975 or (908) 735-9281

Weeknights/ weekends: 1-877-WARN DEP.

If you get bitten by a rattlesnake, dial 9-1-1 immediately.