The Pine Barrens are home to many different species of animals most of which are harmless; however there are a few which are very dangerous. Even though the Timber Rattlesnake, the Brown Recluse Spider, and the Black Widow Spider are venomous they are rarely seen and like most animals, unless provoked, will not harm you.

The Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus is usually 3 to 4.5 feet in length but can be longer. There coloring allows them to easily hide. They generally have black or dark brown crossbands on a lighter background color of yellow, brown, or gray; and can even have dark crossbands on a dark background. The Timber Rattlesnakes head is triangular in shape with many small scales on the crown. Timber rattlesnakes are active from late April until mid-October. They can usually be found in cooler, thicker woods where there is less light reaching the ground, typically through out the Pine Barrens region as well as the northwestern portion of the state.

The Brown Recluse Spider Loxosceles reclusa usually varies in size from ¼ to ¾ of an inch however they can grow larger. The fiddlerback spider, as it is also known, varies in color from light tan to brown all having the trademark fiddle shaped marking on its cephalothorax. Brown recluse spiders differ from other spiders in that they have six eyes arranged in pairs while other spiders generally have 8. These spiders can be found in dark, undisturbed spaces, indoors or outdoors. The Brown Recluse Spider is rare in New Jersey however they are becoming more common.

The Black Widow Spider Latrodectus mactans is normally about 1.5 inches long and is best identified by its shiny black color. The female spider has red spots which resemble an hourglass on its abdomen, while the male has light streaks on its abdomen. The Black Widow Spider is usually found in woodpiles and other dark places through out the Pine Barrens and other portions of the state.

If you do come in contact with these venomous animals (not recommended), be calm but seek medical attention immediately.