Red-bellied Snake

Description:

To us, a Red-bellied Snake is more like a worm with an attitude than a perilous rattler or python. It's such a small serpent that even when completely peeved, all it does is curl its upper lip in agitation. Understanding the lip curl starts with a realization that this "mini snake" eats earthworms and slugs. The Red-bellied Snake has a small toxin gland near it's upper teeth. By smirking while feeding, it not only exposes its relatively long, slug snagging teeth, but also squeezes and empties this gland onto the seized prey. The toxin serves to immobilize the prey. It is very important for this small snake to slow down its prey, for a feisty meal is likely to cause it some harm. The Red-bellied Snake, like all snakes, swallows its prey whole and is not well equipped to deal with something thrashing about. For this reason, it's generally a good idea if the animal is good and dead by the time it reaches the stomach.

Habitat:

forest edges, meadows and fields, often found under boards, logs or other forest debris. Distribution: From eastern Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia, Canada but not north of Lake Superior. Selected Sites: Ottawa Valley (ON and QC) and Cottage Country (ON).

Notes:

Mates in spring or sometimes fall; female gives birth to an average of 7 live young in late summer. Young mature in 2 years.