DeKay's Brownsnake

Natural Habitat

Found in a wide variety of habitats including wetlands, grasslands, and forests, but is exceptionally common in urban areas, parks, and residential backyards under debris.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feeds on soft-bodied invertebrates such as earthworms, slugs, and snails; they have specialized teeth to help extract snails from their shells.

Behavior Patterns

Secretive and primarily nocturnal or crepuscular. They spend much of their time under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. They are non-venomous and generally docile, though they may release a musk if threatened.

Risks & Benefits

Completely harmless to humans and pets as they are non-venomous and rarely bite. They provide significant ecological benefits by controlling populations of garden pests like slugs and snails.

Identified on: 3/22/2026