Although similar to the Northern Brownsnake, the Eastern Smooth Earthsnake lacks the pattern of the Northern and is more stout-bodied. It is a small, plain gray or brownish snake with a plain white or yellowish belly. Many are marked with a number of small black dots on the back. The distinctly small head and lack of distinctive body markings are good identifiers. Although rare over much of its range, the Eastern Smooth Earthsnake is often common locally. In Ohio, it occurs only in the southern quarter of the state, especially in the forested area of Shawnee and Pike state forests. Like the wormsnake, this reptile is very secretive and spends most of its time hiding beneath flat stones and similar objects. Unlike the wormsnake, the Eastern Smooth Earthsnake gives birth to live young. LENGTH: 7”–10”
Text courtesy of the Ohio Division of Wildlife: https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/id%20guides/pub354_Reptiles-opt.pdf
