Help with ID please

amj2020 · 05-27-16, 07:14 PM

Hi everyone, I know nothing about snakes, just moved out to a more rural area. I have dogs and small children so I want to be sure what this one is.
I am in Long Island It is maybe a foot long and skinny. I think based on pictures it is a eastern brown snake?? It has a creamy white belly.
Please let me know and thanks in advance!!
IMG_1530.jpg

FWK · 05-28-16, 06:05 PM

It is an adult Dekay's Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi), it is harmless. They feed primarily on garden pests such as slugs. Eastern Brown Snakes (Pseudonaja textilis) are a highly venomous Elapid found in Australia.

Tiny Boidae · 05-28-16, 06:24 PM

Amj, I can't help much with identifying the species but I assure you that this snake isn't dangerous, and chances are any snakes you see aren't. In New York, you guys only have three species of dangerous snakes which are the copperhead, the timber rattler, and the massasauga. It's important to familiarize yourself with the dangerous snakes in your area, and I have mine memorized, but when in doubt leave it alone!