Range
Wide range extends from southern Canada into the United States (east of the Rocky Mountains) and northern Mexico.
Habitats
Terrestrial, fossorial during hibernation. Tend to stay under cover. Prefer disturbed areas with plenty of stones, rocks, or leaf litter. Habitats vary from prairies to marshes to woods and urban zones.
Identification
Small snake, 9 to 13 inches long, rarely longer than 15 inches. Stout body in greyish brown color with light streak on back bordered with black dots. Underside is whitish-pink in color. 17 scale rows at midbody. Males have longer tails than females. Heavily keeled scales.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians