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Dekay's Brownsnake
Scientific Name: Storeria dekayi
Also Know As: Brown Snake
Terrestrial
Native
Snakes
Nonvenomous
A small garden snake. 7-16 inches long. Tan or brown above with a pale band down the back. Most have a row of small black dots on either side of the middle of the back that may be connected by dark lines. Coastal populations lack dark spots. Dark streak or bar behind the eyes. Underside is beige to nearly white. Small young have a pale collar. They have keeled (ridged) scales in 17 rows.
Range and Habitat
The most frequently observed snake in suburban and urban portions of Louisiana. Tend to remain concealed beneath leaf litter, under objects, or in dense ground cover.
Behavior
Occasionally flatten their heads, coil, and strike when disturbed, leading to the mistaken belief that they are venomous. When striking, the mouth remains closed. Primarily feed on earthworms, slugs, and snails. They give birth to 4 to 24 young.
Population Status
Populations are considered stable and can be observed routinely in almost every parish of Louisiana.