What kind of snake is this? - Ask Extension
I found this snake in my pool this morning. What kind is it?
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What kind of snake is this? #806002
Asked August 12, 2022, 6:09 PM EDT
I found this snake in my pool this morning. What kind is it?
Caddo County Louisiana
Expert Response
Dear Ms. DeFatta,
Thank you for your question. I'm researching your photographs. I'm familiar with most snakes in the southeast, but I would like to some additional investigation on your snake. The photos came through as shades of dark grey and black with some lighter areas across the back of the head and on the sides. Are those the actual colors of your snake? Also, can you give me an estimate of its length?
Thank you,
Jim Burke
Thank you for your question. I'm researching your photographs. I'm familiar with most snakes in the southeast, but I would like to some additional investigation on your snake. The photos came through as shades of dark grey and black with some lighter areas across the back of the head and on the sides. Are those the actual colors of your snake? Also, can you give me an estimate of its length?
Thank you,
Jim Burke
Hi Mr. Burke,
The snake was approximately 8” long. Those pics were taken in the shade so the colors didn’t really show well. The lighter areas were actually a reddish brown with dark grey or black pattern. Head and the one band just below the head were black. Belly was solid light brown. I thought it was probably a copperhead because they are very prevalent around here, but there was no yellow or green at the end of his tail.
Hi Ms. DeFatta,
Thank you for the additional information. The snake in your photos is the Brown Snake, scientific name Storeria dekayi. There are several subspecies. Based on the location of your county, this is probably the Texas Brown Snake, Storeria dekayi texana. All of the Brown Snakes are non-venomous.
The dark markings on the head and on the side of the face is characteristic of this species. Also, the row of two dots that go down the back are also characteristic of the Brown Snake.
The snake in your pool is an adult. Average length is 8 - 10 inches. Maximum length approaches 18 inches, but you rarely see them this long.
They are not aquatic snakes, but are usually found in woodland habitats, dry areas in swamps and wetland margins. They are also very adaptable to urban habitats, and are usually found under mulch and pine straw and large grass clumps. People often encounter them when they are raking out old mulch and pine straw in preparation for adding new ground covers around ornamental shrubs/trees and in flower beds. Your snake most likely fell into the pool by accident.
They feed primarily on earthworms and slugs, but they will also eat snails (they pull the snail out of the shell before eating it), small salamanders, spiders and a variety of insects.
This species rarely bites when handled. In many cases the mouth doesn't open wide enough to bite anything but your fingers. They will however, discharge a strong-smelling musk from their anal glands to discourage you from handling them. If you still have the snake, you can simply dump it out into some pine straw or tall grass, and it will be fine.
I hope this answers your question, and thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Jim Burke
Thank you for the additional information. The snake in your photos is the Brown Snake, scientific name Storeria dekayi. There are several subspecies. Based on the location of your county, this is probably the Texas Brown Snake, Storeria dekayi texana. All of the Brown Snakes are non-venomous.
The dark markings on the head and on the side of the face is characteristic of this species. Also, the row of two dots that go down the back are also characteristic of the Brown Snake.
The snake in your pool is an adult. Average length is 8 - 10 inches. Maximum length approaches 18 inches, but you rarely see them this long.
They are not aquatic snakes, but are usually found in woodland habitats, dry areas in swamps and wetland margins. They are also very adaptable to urban habitats, and are usually found under mulch and pine straw and large grass clumps. People often encounter them when they are raking out old mulch and pine straw in preparation for adding new ground covers around ornamental shrubs/trees and in flower beds. Your snake most likely fell into the pool by accident.
They feed primarily on earthworms and slugs, but they will also eat snails (they pull the snail out of the shell before eating it), small salamanders, spiders and a variety of insects.
This species rarely bites when handled. In many cases the mouth doesn't open wide enough to bite anything but your fingers. They will however, discharge a strong-smelling musk from their anal glands to discourage you from handling them. If you still have the snake, you can simply dump it out into some pine straw or tall grass, and it will be fine.
I hope this answers your question, and thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Jim Burke
