Northern Brown Snake

Storeria dekayi

Reptile

Transcript:

Today on Animal Fact Files we’re discussing northern brown snakes. These reptiles are also known as Dekay’s brown snakes and just brown snakes, but this last common name could lead to some confusion. There are snakes commonly known as "brown snakes" that live in Australia and are highly venomous. The snake we're discussing today isn't found in Australia and is not dangerous to humans. Even though they share a common name, they aren't related! Northern brown snakes are sometimes confused for juvenile copperheads, as well. Again, we want to stress that northern brown snakes are NOT dangerous to humans. Unfortunately, misidentification leads to many unnecessary snake deaths, and we hope this episode helps clear up some confusion.

One of the easiest ways to tell a northern brown snake from a juvenile copperhead is the yellow tail found in juvenile copperheads that is not present in northern brown snakes. They also have different patterns with copperheads sporting hourglass shapes. Northern brown snakes have parallel spots along their back that border a slightly lighter stripe along their spine. They're also small snakes. On average, they reach about 10 inches (25cm) long as adults, though the longest on record was nearly double this.

Most people aren't aware of this snake's existence because they’re nocturnal and they spend most of their lives in moist soil underground. Most run-ins with northern brown snakes occur in urban areas where their habitat is disturbed. Otherwise, they emerge from the ground after heavy rains, like some earthworm species. They also live in leaf litter, rock piles, under rotten logs, and other areas with lots of cover. They're most active from spring to early winter at which point they enter hibernacula during the coldest parts of the year. Yes, the name for hibernation chambers sounds like a mix between the word hibernation and dracula, so you'll probably never forget that. While in their dormant state, northern brown snakes may share their hibernacula with other snakes like garter snakes and green snakes. They live in North America from southern Canada to Mexico. In the warmest parts of their range, they may not hibernate.

Northern brown snakes predominantly eat earthworms, slugs and snails. They may also take salamanders and grubs. They have blunt noses and sharp teeth that help them extract snails from their shells. These snakes don't subdue prey with venom or constriction. Instead, they take a bite, hold on tight, and eat their meals alive! In turn, northern brown snakes are eaten by larger snakes, frogs, weasels, crows, and even blue jays! Though they lack venom, they'll deter predators by releasing a foul smelling substance from their cloaca. If they can avoid threats, these snakes may live to be seven years old, though currently their lifespan is based on individuals living in captivity.

Northern brown snakes give birth to live young after an approximately 110 day long gestation period. On average they have 10 to 14 babies at a time, but this ranges from 3 to over 30! The young snakes are on their own from birth and take about two years to reach reproductive maturity. Mating typically occurs directly after adult northern brown snakes emerge from their hibernacula around April. Babies are born from July to September.

For more facts on northern brown snakes, check out the links below. Give a thumbs up if you learned something new today. Thank you to our Patrons SpikeSpiegel93, Dad, and everyone else for their support of this channel! Thank you to these viewers for today’s request! And thank you for watching Animal Fact Files!