The Marsh Brown Snake is uncommon in Harris County, and is primarily seen closer to the coast. It is variable in color, ranging from browns to tans and even brick reds. As with Texas Brown Snakes, the color of Marsh Brown Snakes is fairly uniform, though, with the exception of a faint lighter stripe down the middle of the back. Also, there is a small darker stripe just behind the eye, which is not seen in Texas Brown Snakes. Hatchlings are the size of an earthworm, and even adults are no more than 13 inches long.

Marsh Brown Snakes are completely harmless if encountered, but will readily feign aggressiveness to defend themselves. This usually involves coiling up, raising the head, striking out repeatedly at anything that gets too close and vibrating the tail. This is just an act to get larger animals to leave them alone, however, since they generally strike with their mouths closed, and their mouths aren't large enough to grab human skin even if they tried!

Marsh Brown Snakes can be found just about anywhere there is a cool dark moist bit of soil - like nicely mulched landscaping - which is where they are often encountered. This habitat is ideal for them to find a wide variety of suitably sized insects and other invertebrates, including snails and slugs. That's what I call a gardener's friend. After all, you decide what's better - slugs or brown snakes!