The species is native to southeastern Mexico and Central America south to Costa Rica.

The preferred natural habitats of N. sebae are forest and savanna, at altitudes from sea level to 2,200 m (7,200 ft).

[1] Coffee snakes (species in the genus Ninia) are thought to rely on concealment, flight and intimidation to avoid predation.

[3] These snakes were observed either flattening their entire bodies when alarmed,[7] or remaining motionless in whatever position they were discovered.

[8] In a more recent study these snakes, when touched, displayed a flattened head and neck, and raised their anterior third or half.