Dekay's Brownsnake

Scientific Name: Storeria dekayi

Status: Least Concern

Habitat: Diverse habitats including forests, fields, rocky outcrops, forest clearings, and rocky beaches

Threats: Habitat Loss, road mortality and predation by domestic animals such as cats

Photographed: May 2024.

Story: DeKays can be quite common, yet seldom seen, due to their nocturnal habitats, small size, and ability to blend in with fallen leaves. Luckily, Adam was able to photograph this one before it slithered off. Adam photographed this one at Ojibway Prairie Nature Complex in Windsor, ON with Dr. Jonathan D. Choquette of Wildlife Preservation Canada, and Peter Westaway.

Range is limited to southern Ontario and a small part of southwestern Quebec. Typically is abundant in some areas but absent from others.

Did you know?

One of Canada's smallest snakes
When threatened, may release a foul-smelling musk
Often confused for a small garter snake
Young Dekay Brownsnakes can also be confused with ringneck snakes as they share a ring-like marking on their necks
Feeds on slugs, earthworms, other insects, and small amphibians.
DeKay Brownsnakes are mostly nocturnal
They can live for more than 10 years.