The Watchung Police Department issued a warning to residents after a venomous northern copperhead snake was spotted in Hunterdon and Somerset counties - including on Scott Drive in Watchung.

The warning went out on Aug. 26.

Christine Boehm lives on Scott Drive and says she is concerned for the four-legged members of her family

"It is a little scary with the dogs. I’m more concerned about them, especially the little, tiny one. That could do a lot of damage,” Boehm says.

News 12 spoke with Steve Lengen, the “New Jersey Snakeman.” Lengen says one is not likely to be bitten by a copperhead unless one accidentally steps on one or provokes one. But he offers some advice for anyone who may come across one of these venomous snakes.

"Go the other way. You don’t have to run, they’re not going to chase you. They have no interest in you or your pets,” Lengen says.

The copperhead is one of the least venomous snakes, but anyone who is bitten is advised to immediately go to the hospital. The same is said for any pets that are bitten.

"The smaller animals are going to be more susceptible to fatalities…again a large size dog… I’ve heard of many dogs that were bitten that did not die,” Lengen says.

Boehm says moving forward, she'll be on the lookout for these creatures.

“I didn’t think that was something I’d have to worry about here in Watchung, New Jersey, but I guess it is, so I’ll definitely keep an eye out,” she says.

Police are asking residents to avoid contact with them and to contact the Department of Environmental Protection at 908-638-4381.