I thought of some type of reptile or amphibian too.* I looked a bit at a worm snake and also at others.* I couldn't find anything that looked like it.* You didn't mention any hissing in your first post so I abandoned that idea.* I think I might have kept searching if I'd thought it was a snake.* That is probably what it is, a young one that is hybernating since you are in Michigan.*
Please let me know if you find out what it is.* It's so interesting.
Newt
When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.