Dekay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Venomous Status
Non-venomous
Danger Level
Harmless - poses no significant threat to humans. They rarely bite and usually rely on musk or flattened bodies for defense.
Geographic Range
Found across North America, ranging from southern Canada through the eastern two-thirds of the United States, and southward into eastern Mexico and parts of Central America.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. No major threats, as it adapts well to human-modified landscapes.
Physical Description
Small, brownish or grayish body often featuring two rows of small dark spots bordering a lighter dorsal stripe. Scales are keeled (rough), the head is relatively small with dark markings behind the eyes, and pupils are round.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a small adult or sub-adult, roughly 6-10 inches long. Typical maximum size for the species is approximately 12 inches.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; thrives in residential areas (gardens and parks), deciduous forests, wetlands, and prairies. Prefers moist soil and microhabitats under logs, rocks, or debris.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and secretive. Generally active during the day (diurnal), but may become nocturnal in hot weather. When threatened, they flatten their bodies to look larger and release a mild musk.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized diet consisting primarily of soft-bodied invertebrates like earthworms, slugs, and snails. They forage actively and do not use venom or constriction.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Typically produces 3 to 40 young per litter, usually in late summer.
Venom Profile
Venom Type
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
AI-generated — see a qualified source if acting on this. For any snakebite, call emergency services immediately.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with Garter Snakes (Thamnophis species), which generally have more distinct stripes, or juvenile Copperheads, which have bold hourglass patterns and heat-sensing pits.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. No major threats, as it adapts well to human-modified landscapes.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically beneficial, especially to gardeners, as they act as a natural pest control by eating slugs and snails without damaging ornamental plants.
Notable Features
One of the most urban-tolerant snake species in North America, often found in high densities in city backyards without being noticed by residents.
Notes
Small and calm is frightened by people