The Dekay's Brown Snake: Everything You Need To Know!

One of the most commonly misidentified nonvenomous snakes in the Eastern US, learn about the ecological niche and identification of the Dekay's brown snake (and meet a cute baby lizard) in this episode of The Wild Report!

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If you've made it this far in the description, remember to be safe when creature adventuring! Most wild animals can cause injury if harassed, and I do not recommend attempting to capture any creatures without purpose and practice. The reason that I interact with wildlife is to produce these educational videos, and I have years of zoology experience under my belt. Also, I always ask permission from a land owner before exploring on their property, and you should do the same.

Keep adventuring everywhere, and keep your adventures safe at all times!

-Ben Zino

"To the Lord your God belongs the Heavens, even the highest Heavens, and the earth and everything in it."
Deuteronomy 10:14

#herping #wildlife #snake

[SmokeEater]

I always love how derpy they look from the front, a lot like racers. A ton of older folks from where I grew up would freak out and say "oh thats a baby cottonmouth or copperhead!" then be super freaked out when I'd get to their house and pick it up with my bare hand. Dekay's is definitely one of my first and fondest herping memories and they're super cool animals.

[bppccm]

I found a Dekay's Brown Snake in my basement. Didn't know what it was so a plopped it into a Mason Jar and started researching. Wasn't 100% confident until your video. Thanks!

[TheWildlifeBrothers]

Another great video Ben! I can't get enough of Dekay's Brownsnakes, they are some of the friendliest and cutest snakes you can find. Certainly a great species for new herpers like Jacada and Micah, glad to see you had a good outing. Nice find on that baby Eastern Fence Lizard as well, you caught all the adorable herps! I absolutely loved that chill transition montage, such good vibes in this video. Definitely well needed for stressed-out students like us. Also, that butterfly at 8:00 looked like a Gray Hairstreak, Strymon melinus to me, though I couldn't get a perfect look at it. Definitely looked like it was in the family Lycaenidae, the gossamer-winged butterflies. Can't wait for more from you!
- Harrison and Evan

[donnawatchesscifi]

Just found one of these in my yard in Maryland. Thanks for the info on it!

[TrailoftheWildWild]

Great video Ben! Such a small, yet unique snake species. Also, I can’t believe you guys found that small of a fence lizard! Keep up the great work!

[ncense]

love these lil guys. was only planning to watch the video but heard here in north carolina and had to subscribe

[noahhoffman]

thank you! i found a cute little one outside and i decided to take him in as he was barely able to move, turned out he just needed to eat a little and rest. he’s doing well now and in a nice 20 gal tank. this helps a lot

[rebeccawiggins]

I have found the 2nd one I have ever came across today. Super adorable 🥰

[garrettsharpe]

Just handled my first Dekay's brown snake today and I loved it so much! It was the third wild snake I've managed to handle, with worm and ringnecks being my other two. I live in central NC, so if you ever want another person to join in seeking out wildlife, I'd love to join in some time! I'm best at finding salamanders and have been getting better at finding snakes since the pandemic

[IamKimsational]

I enjoyed your video and have subscribed, liked and set notifications. I live in North Carolina, as well. My house is inundated with these snakes. Thus far in 2023, I have seen 4 (one large one (for their size), 2 medium-sized ones and 1 baby. I didn't know what type of snake it was, but I could tell it was non-venomous by the head and markings. I'm terrified of snakes, unfortunately, but I didn't harm any of the 4. Here's hoping I don't keep running into them all summer, however. :) Great video; thanks for posting it.

[Bitter_Beauty_Music]

Cute snakes and lizards... just what we need to cope with 2020 today. Also, 20, 000 subscribers, congratulations!

[listenerofnature]

Great video!! I find brown snakes all the time too! That fence lizard was really cute!

[scubadiverderek]

Nice video! Dekays brown snakes are cool and fascinating snakes! It’s a great herp to find! I haven’t found one yet, but I would love too! That eastern fence lizard is awesome! Also, nice moth! Nice finds guys! It’s awesome that Jacada found his first snake! Again, great job on the video!

[smetlogik]

You don't want to take Micah to a talus slope. Well, maybe you do, lots of views. 2:19 lol Props to Jacada on that first snake. I see The Wild Report 2 channel in the near future.

[annr]

Just got one as a pet myself. This video is great!

[blondbrownies]

Very nice video! Although, DeKay's Browns are not insectivores, they almost exclusively eat slugs and worms. I found one yesterday in NE Ohio. Excellent job, guys!

[rodanthefiredemon]

I saw one two days ago in Bowie Maryland at my nanny’s friend’s house it was cute and took a picture of it and it was so friendly

[tinawindham]

Found one yesterday and had to look him up bc the only snake I know is the garter snake. This one has a darker mark on his head and black dots along his sides with long stripes like the garter. So glad he’s friendly 😀

[richardsonramble]

We found one today. They're so cute! 🐍

[Datsick]

One of the only snakes I’ll go near . Find them all the time up north of Atlanta . They are pretty cool