Identification: 7-16 in. Tan with a row of small black dots on either side of the middle of the back that may be connected by a dark line; beige stripe down middle of back; belly beige; scales keeled.
Habits: Brown snakes are the most frequently encountered snake in the home flower bed or yard, hiding under leaf litter. They eat slugs and earth- worms.
Distribution: Throughout Louisiana.
Comments: This harmless snake is also called the Dekay snake and often mistakenly identified as a "ground rattler". The true ground rattler, the pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) is very rarely found in neighborhood yards. As a defense the brown snake will flatten its head and body, coil into an "S" shape and strike when disturbed. However, the strike is usually without a bite. A foul smelling musk is often released when the brown snake is caught. This is a defense strategy and works well as most people quickly drop the brown snake which then slithers off into a safe hiding spot. Although foul smelling, they are non-venomous.
