This little guy, a Virginia valeriae, or a smooth earth snake, was found in my back yard under a rock happily entwined with a Dekay's brown snake. This small Colubrid is very shy, wanting nothing more than to bury himself amongst the leaf litter. Although common, they can be hard to come across simply because they tend to remain hidden. He is not a very intimidating fellow, however, you might want to check your pocket for wet wipes or the like if you're not near some soap, because he has no qualms with defacating all over you, and it is rather stinky... Maybe he's banking on his good looks to make up for his stench...
Stacey McNiell (Memphis, TN)