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Snake found in Pleasant Garden

22 13:50:56

Question

snake found in Pls Gar
Hello,

This morning I found this snake under a plastic bin.  Could you please let me know if it is poisionius, I have horses and dont want them to be in danger. I think it just is a brown snake, but want to be sure.I have it in a bin, scared to get too close, here is a pic - I have more if you need them. thanks!

Answer
Hi Crissy:

I hope this goes through, it is the third time I tried to answer this, if you get more then one answer, I apologize.

OK, you have a midland Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi wrightorum, it is technically a rear fanged snake (In name only, 100% harmless), they eat spiders, grubs, slugs and snails etc. This is a fairly young snake that will grow to no more then 12 inches at old age. You can (if you wish) pick it up with your hand but use a glove, it will vibrate its tail like a rattlesnake and strike at you with a closed mouth. If this does not scare you, it will start to shiver with fear and almost cry.  They can cause no damage unless you have a pet insect, then, you may have a problem.

Thank you for asking prior to killing it, most people send me pictures of a bludgeoned animal then ask if it was dangerous.  You are a breath of fresh air, I bet your parents are proud of you, I know I am, your upbringing shows, they did a really good job with you.

Thanks again and write back if you ever need help with a snake.
                          Thanks, Joel