Dekay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
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.
Look up Dekay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →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.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Conservation
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
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
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