Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Chapel Hill, NC

Brown Snakes at Mason Farm Biological Reserve (Chapel Hill, NC)

One of the most delightful surprises of warm autumn days is discovering snakes warming up on walking paths through forest and field. Today temperatures reached at least 72°F in the Triangle, and snakes were out basking in the sun. At Mason Farm Biological Reserve, we discovered three different brown snakes (Storeria dekayi) warming up on the graveled path. Brown snakes are recorded year round in North Carolina, even as late as December 23 in Guilford County. 

References:
Palmer, W. M. and A. L. Braswell. 1995. Reptiles of North Carolina. University of North Carolina Press: Chapel Hill, NC.