Dekay's Brown Snake: A Complete Guide + Facts & Care Tips

Ever stumble upon a small, unassuming snake and wonder, "Is that a Dekay's Brown Snake?" Identifying snakes can be tricky, but mastering the art of distinguishing a Dekay's Brown Snake, also known as Storeria dekayi, from its look-alikes is entirely achievable with the right knowledge and keen observation skills.

Dekay's Brown Snakes, often just called brown snakes, are a common sight in many North American backyards and parks. But despite their prevalence, they're often misidentified. Perhaps you've found one and considered keeping it for educational purposes, wanting to share its wonders with children. Or maybe you're simply curious about the wildlife in your area. Whatever the reason, accurate identification is key. So, how can you confidently tell a brown snake from another species?

One crucial step is recognizing that there's no definitive upper size limit for the species, meaning relying solely on length can be misleading. Always seek verification from multiple sources before concluding your identification. The key is to become intimately familiar with the brownsnakes distinct field marks. Scalation, the arrangement of scales, provides valuable clues. Brown snakes exhibit 17 dorsal scale rows both anteriorly and at midbody, a detail that sets them apart from many similar species. In contrast, common garter snakes possess 19 scale rows.

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Another differentiating factor involves the loreal scale. Common garter snakes feature a loreal scale positioned between their preocular and postnasal scales. Brown snakes, with the exception of the Mexican endemic species, lack this scale. By meticulously examining these characteristics scale rows and the presence or absence of the loreal scale you significantly increase your chances of accurate identification.

Beyond physical characteristics, understanding their life cycle, dietary preferences, and legal protection (if any) can further solidify your knowledge. These snakes, native to North and Central America, play a vital role in their ecosystems. Their diet primarily consists of slugs, earthworms, insects, and small amphibians. They're essentially nature's pest control, helping to keep invertebrate populations in check. Despite their small size, often not exceeding a foot in length, they are interesting creatures, often misunderstood.

Anecdotal evidence further illuminates their behavior. Imagine a researcher's encounter: a Dekays Brown Snake found on a road initially employed a defense mechanism by producing a foul, musky smell. As the researcher approached, the snake remained motionless, widening its back to appear larger. Then, in a surprising twist, it began slithering forward, swaying its back from side to side a display of unexpected behavior.

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Storeria dekayi, as it is scientifically known, inhabits a wide range, extending from southern Ontario and Quebec down through most of the eastern United States, and further into Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and possibly even El Salvador. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse habitats, including residential neighborhoods and urban areas. Its primary requirement is a moist environment with access to prey. You might find them in your garden, under rocks, or even near trash piles anywhere where they can find the slugs, earthworms, and insects that make up their diet.

These snakes are often described as small, thin, and secretive. Their bodies typically display shades of brown or gray, adorned with darker markings along the sides of their dorsal stripe. The dorsal stripe itself is usually a lighter tan color, running the length of the body. Close examination reveals keeled scales, adding another layer to their identification profile. A dark streak on each side of the head is another characteristic feature. Some individuals may also exhibit numerous dark lines crossing the back, creating a "ladderback" appearance.

While Dekay's Brown Snakes are generally harmless, they are sometimes mistaken for baby copperheads, particularly in the southern and eastern United States. This misidentification can lead to unnecessary fear or even harm to the snake. It's important to remember that copperheads are venomous and possess distinct characteristics that differentiate them from brown snakes, such as a triangular head and elliptical pupils.

The cleanup of abandoned lots and the widespread use of pesticides have unfortunately impacted Dekays Brown Snake populations in some areas. These factors reduce their food sources and directly harm the snakes. However, they remain relatively adaptable and can still be found in surprising places, even in busy urban environments like Manhattan. One anecdote recounts a dedicated individual who tirelessly searched for an escaped northern brown snake (Storeria dekayi dekayi), highlighting the passion these creatures can inspire.

The story of James Ellsworth Dekay, the American zoologist for whom the snake is named, adds another layer of intrigue. He collected the first specimen from Long Island, New York, forever linking his name to this unassuming reptile. Knowing the etymology behind the scientific name can add a personal touch to your understanding of the species.

For those interested in keeping Dekays Brown Snakes as pets, it's crucial to understand their temperament and habitat needs. While they can be unique and beautiful additions to a reptile collection, they may present challenges for both new and experienced owners. Consulting with experts and joining online forums can provide valuable guidance. These snakes are mostly nocturnal. They can live for more than 10 years.

In conclusion, distinguishing a Dekay's Brown Snake requires a combination of careful observation, knowledge of key characteristics, and an understanding of its behavior and habitat. By familiarizing yourself with these aspects, you can confidently identify this fascinating reptile and appreciate its role in the natural world. Remember to always double-check your identification, and consider contributing to citizen science initiatives by reporting your sightings. This helps track populations and monitor the health of these often-overlooked creatures.

On May 21, 2013, a brown snake (Storeria dekayi) was found on a hike on the Spring Valley Trail in Ancaster, Ontario, further demonstrating the widespread distribution of this species.

Ray conducts surveys of the brown snake population in the Youngstown area of Mahoning County, highlighting ongoing efforts to monitor and understand these snakes in specific regions.

Also commonly called the Dekays Brown Snake, the brown snake is another small species of snake, rarely attaining more than a foot in length. Feeds on slugs, earthworms, other insects, and small amphibians. Despite its small size, it remains an interesting and often misunderstood creature.