DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Venomous Status
Non-venomous (Aglyphous - lacks specialized venom-delivery fangs)
Danger Level
Harmless; they pose no threat to humans or pets. They are extremely unlikely to bite and usually only omit musk when threatened.
Geographic Range
North America including much of the eastern half of the United States, southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec), and south through Mexico to Honduras.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Population is stable, though they are frequently killed by humans who mistake them for venomous species.
Physical Description
Small, slender snake typically brown to grayish-brown. Features two rows of dark spots bordering a lighter central dorsal stripe. The head is relatively small with large eyes and round pupils. Scales are heavily keeled.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image is a juvenile, likely 3–5 inches. Adults typically range from 9 to 13 inches (23–33 cm); maximum recorded is approximately 19 inches.
Habitat
Generalist species found in forests, swamps, and grasslands, but highly adapted to urban and suburban areas. Frequently found under debris, leaf litter, and in gardens.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and secretive. Primarily fossorial/terrestrial and active during the day (diurnal), though it may become crepuscular in hot weather. Defensive behavior includes flattening the body or releasing a pungent musk.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized feeder focusing on soft-bodied invertebrates, primarily earthworms, slugs, and snails. They use sharp teeth to pull snails out of their shells; they do not constrict.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically range from 3 to 40 young, born late summer; juveniles are born with a distinct whitish ring around the neck.
Venom & Safety
Venom Type
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
First Aid Advice
No medical intervention required. Wash any scratch or area exposed to musk with soap and water to prevent secondary infection or irritation.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata), which has a red underside, or juvenile Eastern Gartersnakes, which have more defined longitudinal stripes.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Population is stable, though they are frequently killed by humans who mistake them for venomous species.
Cultural Significance
Highly beneficial in gardens as they act as natural pest control for slugs and snails that damage ornamental plants and vegetables.
Notable Features
Among the most successful urban-dwelling snakes in North America. They thrive in vacant lots and backyard gardens where larger predators are absent.