The redbelly snake is a
small snake rarely more then a foot long. It is brown or gray on top
with a bright salmon-red belly. This snake spends most of its time
under logs, rocks, or leaf litter. It is commonly found when cleaning
up yard debris and woodpiles. This beautiful and docile snake can be
handled without risk. It rarely bites, and its tiny teeth are unlikely
to penetrate skin. In Minnesota, Redbelly snakes mate in spring. They
give birth to five to eight young in late summer, each about 3 to 4
inches long. The redbelly snake is found in woodlands and forest edges
often near water. It lives throughout Minnesota, including the far
northeastern part of the state, which harbors few snake species. They
spend winters in rock crevices and ant mounds.
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