Grey Baby Snake
Posted by Kendra Gilmore on March 11, 2006
Q: I live in north-western Arkansas, Fort Smith. Right outside my house, I found a baby snake about 5 inches long, grey on the back and whitish green on the belly- no pattern anywhere. Is it for sure non-poisonous?
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Arkansas
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: You don't have a poisonous snake! From your description and location it sounds as though you have either a Smooth Virginia valeriae)or Rough (Virginia striatula) Earth Snake. These are rather shy snakes, they don't grow very large and have no pattern on their bodies. Snakes can be difficult to identify with lots of variations in patterns and colors but try looking up these two online to see if you can find a match. Good luck and thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( March 12, 2006)