frequently asked q u e s t i o n s critter f i e l d   g u i d e what is it? g u e s s   g a m e ask jim y o u r   q u e s t i o n s critter care i n s t r u c t i o n s links f o r   m o r e   i n f o Critterguy / Critter Field Guide / Snakes / brown (Dekay's) snake Critter Field Guide: Snakes of Michigan brown (Dekay's) snake Storeria dekayi brown (Dekay's) snake 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. Habitat and Habits Brown snakes live in a variety of places, including old fields, vacant city lots, marshes, and woodlands. Most of their time is spent hiding under objects or underground. They feed on earthworms and slugs. Reproduction Females give birth to litters of 5 to 27 young in summer. The tiny babies 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. Can be common even in farming and residential areas. Acknowledgement James Harding MSU Museum Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 (517) 353-7978 hardingj@msu.edu © Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.