A Bridgewater resident was hospitalized after being bitten by a venomous copperhead snake.

Officials say that the resident went into the hospital on July 21 after they were bit outside their home at night. The incident was not reported to New Jersey Fish and Wildlife until July 27.

Officials with the Venomous Snake Response Team searched the area for the snake but did not find any signs of the copperhead. They say that portions of Bridgewater are in the known range of copperhead populations in New Jersey.

Residents living in areas where venomous snakes are known to inhabit are urged to wear closed-toed shoes and use a flashlight when outdoors at night.

The condition of the victim was not immediately known.