Dekay’s Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi)

The Dekay’s brown snake (Storeria dekayi) is a small colubrid species found throughout the eastern half of the United States, northern Mexico, and parts of southern Canada. This species may be confused for redbellied snakes (Storeria occipitomaculata) but lacks the characteristic spot found behind the head that can be used an an identifier between theRead More

Juvenile Ratsnakes (Pantherophis)

One of the most common snakes seen in and around houses are the ratsnakes (Pantherophis species). Unfortunately, the juvenile ratsnakes are often mistaken for copperheads and/or rattlesnakes. When approached they may put on a defensive display of gaping, coiling up, and shaking their tail. This behavior can startle people unfamiliar with them. Of course, thisRead More