Story: Adam found this little red-bellied snake on an October walk in his family's woods, hiding under some oak leaves near a swamp. Red-bellied snakes often hang out around wetlands and dead leaves. 

Did you know? 

• These small snakes average only 20.3 to 25.4 cm (record size is 40.6 cm)

• Non-venomous 

• These snakes help keep garden pest populations in check by feeding on slugs, snails, earthworms and other insects commonly found in gardens 

• Red-bellied snakes are nocturnal, and so not often seen even when common 

• Gives birth to live young