Description: A small brown or gray snake with a light stripe down the back bordered by black dots. These dots may join to form crossbars. The belly is white, cream, or pinkish in color. Adult length: 9 to 15 inches.

Photo © Jim Harding

Habitat and Habits: Brown snakes may turn up in a variety of places, including old fields, vacant city lots, marshes, and woodlands. These shy little animals are rarely seen in the open, and spend much time under objects or underground. They feed on earthworms and slugs.

Reproduction: Females produce litters of 5 to 27 young in summer. The tiny (3.5 to 4.5 inch long) snakes are black or gray with a yellow "collar" around the neck.

Range and Status: Found throughout the Lower Peninsula and the southern tip of the Upper Peninsula, brown snakes can be common even in farming and residential areas.