The Signs of a Northern Brown Snake Giving Birth

The northern brown or DeKay's snake is a small gray or brownish reptile that exhibits dark spots in two parallel rows, along the length of its back. Northern brown snakes, which reach a maximum length of 15 inches, inhabit moist habitats, but are frequently found in vacant lots. These harmless snakes feed on various soft-bodied insects, earthworms, snail, frogs and tiny fish. Northern brown snakes that become alarmed secrete a strong-smelling musk odor and normally defecate if picked up. This species gives birth to between eight and 20 live young, during the months of July and August.

  1. Viviparous

    • Gravid or pregnant northern brown snakes will appear visibly heavy, due to the unborn snakes in their reproductive tracts. Northern brown snakes are viviparous reptiles and the fertile eggs develop full term within the female's body. The offspring, although not sexually mature, are identical, albeit miniature versions of their parents. Once the northern brown snake begins to give birth, she can have a litter of up to 31 babies. These newly born snakes are less than 5 inches in length and are normally black with white rings around the neck.

    Time of Birth

    • Northern brown snakes give birth once a year, between the months of July and August. A female northern brown snake which has a larger girth than normal just prior to July is typically a heavily pregnant animal, which will give birth soon. This species of snake does not breed at any other time of the year, so you are safe to believe that the heavy northern brown snake you are observing during the seventh and eight month of the year is indeed about to produce a litter.

    Reduced Hunting and Locomotion

    • Northern brown snake females heavy with unborn young, particularly those with very large litters, do not hunt as much, as they move slower because of the developing young. If you are able to observe a female on a regular basis during June and she does not feed much, you are invariably looking at a female which will give birth soon. These females will also move less, particularly during late pregnancy.

    Extended Sun Bathing

    • Late pregnancy northern brown snakes are less active than usual. If you observe the same inactive female during the build up to July, it is highly likely that she will give birth in the near future. Although these females are heavy in the body, their head and neck region may appear anorexic, because they are not feeding correctly, due to the developing young taking up space around the gut and slowing down their movements.