Does anyone know what this little guy is?

[jamromhem]

out of curiosity, why do you suggest letting go? Do they not handle captivity well or are there other reasons?

[Stefan-A]

out of curiosity, why do you suggest letting go? Do they not handle captivity well or are there other reasons?

That, too. The stress from being in captivity may well result in the death of the whole clutch. Another reason would be that it's not sustainable to collect gravid females, as it pretty much maximizes the damage to the population.

[bwiegmann]

Thanks guys!! I let her go asap!! I'm wondering how common they are in Illinois, just curious because I've never seen one? She was gorgeous! Really feisty too I didn't handle verso she should have been minimally stressed. Thanks again

[wolfpacksved]

Thanks guys!! I let her go asap!! I'm wondering how common they are in Illinois, just curious because I've never seen one? She was gorgeous! Really feisty too I didn't handle verso she should have been minimally stressed. Thanks again

Storeria can be quite common in some areas. An adaptable animal found in city lots, backyards, to deep woods and farm country.
Storeria dekayi | Illinois Natural History Survey | U of I