Description
The Brown Snake (also sometimes called Dekay's Snake)
is not always brown. It can be gray or yellowish or reddish brown.
It always has two parallel rows of small dark spots bordering a
faint, but wide stripe down the back. The Brown Snake grows to
just over 50 cm in length.
Confusing Species
While the garter snakes have a stripe down the back,
the two parallel rows of small spots are unique to this species.
Juveniles can have a yellowish ring behind the head, leading to
confusion with Ringneck
Snakes, however that species does not have keeled scales.
Distribution
In Canada, the Brown Snake is limited to southwestern
Ontario and parts of southern Quebec. To the south it ranges
across most of the eastern US and into Mexico and central America.
Habitat
The Brown Snake generally occurs in wooded areas near
edge habitats. It can be found in old fields, marshes and even in
urban areas. Much of the day is spent under logs or boards.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs in the spring soon after emerging from
hibernation. Females do not lay eggs, rather they give birth to
3-31 young in late summer. The newborn snakes are 8-11 cm in
length.
Natural history
The Brown Snake is primarily nocturnal. It hunts for
a variety of invertebrates at this time, mainly slugs, earthworms
and insects. Hibernation takes place underground in animal
burrows, or the foundations of old buildings.
Conservation Concerns
Brown Snakes appear to be relatively tolerant of human
changes to the landscape. It is widespread in southwestern
Ontario, although there is little information on abundance.
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