Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Please help me ID this young snake I rescued from my pool!

I need help identifying a snake I found.
I live in El Dorado Hills, which is in the foothills of the Sierras, just north of Sacramento.
The snake is the size of a plump earthworm. His coloring is best described as having two layers -- a base coat of black with an overlay the color of burnt orange. The black is visible through the orange, the effect is similar to a sheer fabric layered over black. His underside is colored grey (similar to dry concrete). He has a black spot on his chin.

I am unable to photograph him as he is really just too small for his color to turn out on film.

I greatly appreciate you having taken the time to read, reply, and/or forward this email enabling me to identify this young snake.

They are commonly seen this time of year. Later on when the temps start to soar they are hard to find (probably stay buried in the substrate). I live in Sacramento and find them in and near riparian habitats usually under logs or stones. I think they feed on slugs and worms (not sure of this). They are really pretty as juveniles.
Paul

According to Stebbins (Peterson Field Guide), they feed strictly on slugs. Peak activity period is March to June, which fits.

~~Greg~~

Yeah, Sharp Tailed Snake, I live east of you in Placerville, they are very common here, really like the cool weather. Iv'e seen them out in December/January during cold rainstorms and after the frost has melted in afternoons, the only snake I ever see around here during those months.

Thank you for the info!

Please - what time of day is best for releasing this young snake back into our yard?

When it is warm & sunny, or at night, when it is cooler (but the slugs are out)?

He was cool for a few days - but I do not want to wait until he begins to physically suffer before releasing him... and since he is so small, I want to release him when his chances for survival will be the best.

And -- where do you think he will "settle" down during his rest periods? in a cool nook or a warm burrow?

Thank you very much - Amanda

Thank you for helping me to ID this snake!

What do they look like as adults, and do they bite (commonly)?

Thank you - Amanda

These are very tiny snakes, even as adults, I don't know exactly how long the one you have is, but it might very well be an adult. I put a link at the bottom with a page of pictures of Sharp Tailed Snakes, if you scroll down to the bottom you will see a photo of an adult Sharp Tail in the palm of someones hand. They pretty much look the same as young and adult.

As for biting they are very docile and completely harmless, I've picked up dozens of them, they never bite.
SHARP TAILED SNAKES

... would be the best time of day to release him?

Morning? Dusk?

... Will he be less stressed if it is warm out or if it is cool - I don't want him to cook, but I don't want him to be chilled either... since I am sure he has been stressed enough by his 3-day visit to my home!

Thank you!

Most all of the ones I've seen out and about have been at dusk or in the middle of the night, I'd release him at night in a spot where there is a lot of brush, tree bark on the ground, or rocky formations where there is a lot of holes he can hide in. They are very secretive and if you let him go early after dark he can find a good hiding spot before the sun comes up the next day. Also, it's been plenty warm here at night for him, they seem to like the cool weather better than most snakes.

The snake & I would like to thank you for all of your advice... he'll be hunting slugs come dusk!

- Amanda