Storeria is a genus of small and harmless snakes found in North America. Although they are not venomous, these snakes are often confused with more dangerous species, such as copperheads or rattlesnakes. Storeria snakes are commonly known as "grass snakes" or "red-bellied snakes", due to their preference for grassy habitats and reddish underbelly. They are also referred to as "earth snakes" for their tendency to burrow underground. Other synonyms for the word storeria include "kept snakes", "garden snakes" and "smooth snakes". Regardless of the term used, these tiny reptiles play an important role in the ecosystem and pose no threat to humans or pets.