Anyone Ever Come Across Brown Snakes?

[the_edsta]

I found this awesome little guy while doing some volunteer work in NH... wish I could have kept him! Figured I'd be able to find one somewhere, but no luck down here in FL. Any ideas? I haven't seen anyone breeding them. I was surprised how docile it was (and small, which would be perfect for an empty 10 gallon I have!). 9525

[chris-uk]

Isn't that a Decayii? In which case Wayne (Infernalis) is fairly knowledgeable.

[guidofatherof5]

Storeria dekayi - Brown snake
Awesome snakes.

Northern Brown Snake (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/Nongame/snakes/profile_brown_snake.htm)

[infernalis]

I cannot say I ever intentionally bred them, but my first ever snake was a female Dekayi and my second snake was a male, and I housed them together, then nature happened.

They are great little snakes, we had Xena for 5 years. They are a very short lived species, she was old by Dekayi standards.

Seldom ever get defensive, I have handled and photographed more than I can count, and to this day only one ever bit me. They flare out and bluff, but that's usally about it, rarely musking.

I find this species perfect for teaching small children to not fear snakes. They are small, docile and since they thrive fine on worms, little kids don't have to be freaked out when the big snake takes down fluffy the mouse.

[the_edsta]

I wasn't looking for an ID... that part was easy enough. Just hoping someone knows where to get one of these little guys! It was really an awesome snake. I saw that you had a couple from a previous post, Wayne... do you not keep them anymore? Just wondering if there is any way to procure one. If I was living in the NE I'd just herp around for one, but I'm not sure their range extends to FL -- and at any rate, I've never seen one. (OH and I had know idea about the short life span...)

[guidofatherof5]

Looks like they do range in Florida.

FLMNH - Checklist of Florida Snakes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storeria_dekayi (http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/checklist/snakes.htm)

[Mommy2many]

Wow, I didn't know their life span was short either. We have had Connor snake now for 4 years. She must be a little old lady in snake terms! :)

[BLUESIRTALIS]

I caught one a few years ago in Florida! Hey Ed I find lots of these guy's here in South Carolina! If you would like I could catch you one since I know you would take very good care of it!
I wasn't looking for an ID... that part was easy enough. Just hoping someone knows where to get one of these little guys! It was really an awesome snake. I saw that you had a couple from a previous post, Wayne... do you not keep them anymore? Just wondering if there is any way to procure one. If I was living in the NE I'd just herp around for one, but I'm not sure their range extends to FL -- and at any rate, I've never seen one. (OH and I had know idea about the short life span...)

[infernalis]

I looked up lifespan when Xena died. the average was 4.6 years.

[the_edsta]

How sweet of you! I found one woman with a pile of little scrubs (potentially from a WC that she didn't know was pregnant). I will see if she will ship, though her ad didn't say she would. But if you happen across one, I'd certainly be interested! Where do you find them? I've seen them in urban areas on the north shore of Boston hiding under leaf/trash litter... I've just been surprised that no one sells them -- until this lifespan discussion...
I caught one a few years ago in Florida! Hey Ed I find lots of these guy's here in South Carolina! If you would like I could catch you one since I know you would take very good care of it!

[guidofatherof5]

I know they are common but here in Iowa they are protected.

[the_edsta]

No kidding? I've heard in some urban areas, they are the only ones left (and are thriving!).