NYC Cyclist Bitten by Venomous Snake While Biking Palisades Trail in New Jersey

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

PALISADES, NJ – What started as a peaceful bike ride through North Jersey’s Palisades Cliffs turned into a painful hospital visit for one New York City cyclist — all because he tried to save a snake.

Dan Geiger, a Manhattan resident, was cycling the scenic trail earlier this month when he noticed a small snake in his path. Wanting to protect the creature from passing bikes and cars, he attempted to nudge it away with a water bottle.

Unfortunately, that snake turned out to be a venomous copperhead, and Geiger’s good intentions ended in a painful bite to his finger.

“He’d seen snakes flattened by bikes and cars before and didn’t want this one to meet the same fate,” said a spokesperson from Hackensack University Medical Center, where Geiger was later treated.

Copperhead Bite Sends Cyclist to Hackensack Hospital

Geiger made a split-second decision to reach out with his hand — a move he now regrets. That’s when the copperhead sank its fangs into his finger.

Nearby walkers quickly called 911, and Geiger was rushed to Hackensack University Medical Center, one of the few facilities in the region equipped with antivenom and a dedicated toxicology team.

“Copperhead venom isn’t usually fatal,” said a hospital spokesperson, “but it can cause serious tissue damage, internal bleeding, and swelling if left untreated.”

Rare Snakebite, Quick Response

Though HUMC has treated other types of snake bites, this was their first copperhead case. The medical team — led by Dr. Daria Falkowitz, Dr. Joseph Zambratto, and clinical pharmacist Gabrielle Procopio — acted quickly to deliver antivenom and minimize long-term effects.

Geiger stayed in the hospital for two nights starting May 17, then returned home to continue his recovery.

Where Are Copperheads Found in New Jersey?

According to Rutgers University, copperheads are one of only two venomous snakes in New Jersey (the other being the timber rattlesnake). They are typically found in hilly, rocky areas including:

• The Piedmont and Highlands

• The Delaware Water Gap

• And in rare cases, Bergen County’s Palisades

Outdoor Safety Advice: Admire Wildlife from a Distance

With spring and summer bringing more people outdoors, experts at Hackensack University Medical Center advise caution when encountering wildlife.

“Admire from a distance,” the hospital recommends. “Never attempt to move or touch a wild animal — especially snakes, which may feel threatened and bite in self-defense.”

Quick Tips for Outdoor Safety

• Stay on clearly marked trails

• Wear closed-toe shoes and gloves when hiking or biking

• Keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter

• In the event of a bite, call 911 immediately and do not attempt to treat it yourself

 

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