Brown Snake DeKay's

DeKay's Brown Snake is one of the most commonly encountered small snakes in eastern North America, thriving even in urban parks and suburban gardens. Its plain brown coloration and diminutive size make it inconspicuous.

It is non-venomous and entirely harmless to humans, feeding on soft-bodied invertebrates and posing no threat even when handled.

• Small, stocky body, typically 23-33 cm (9-13 in)
• Brown, tan, or grayish-brown back with a pale stripe bordered by rows of small dark spots
• Keeled dorsal scales
• Small head, not distinct from the neck
• Pale pinkish or cream-colored belly

The pale dorsal stripe flanked by dark spots is a useful field mark distinguishing this species from other small brown snakes.

This adaptable species occupies a wide range of habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, vacant lots, gardens, and urban parks. It is common across much of the eastern and central United States and parts of southeastern Canada, often found under logs, boards, and debris, including in cities.

DeKay's Brown Snake is largely nocturnal or crepuscular, though it may be active by day in cool weather. It feeds primarily on earthworms and slugs, and occasionally soft-bodied insects. It is extremely docile, rarely biting even when handled, and gives live birth to litters of several young in mid-to-late summer.