Have you ever seen those videos of that snake freaking out on the ground playing dead? Have you ever spotted a snake puffing itself up like a cobra? Don’t be alarmed; you may have encountered the eastern hognose snake, one of nature’s most dramatic performers. This fascinating and harmless species, native to the northeastern United States, is best known for its theatrical defense tactics and unique upturned snout.
The eastern hognose snake typically measures between 20 and 33 inches in length and has a thick body that varies in color from yellow to brown or black. Its underside is usually gray or yellow, and its back is often marked with large rectangular spots. Its most distinctive feature, however, is its upturned nose, an adaptation that helps it dig into sandy soil.
These snakes have a diverse diet, but they are particularly fond of toads. When threatened, toads inflate their bodies to appear larger and more difficult to swallow. Eastern hognose snakes have evolved a clever countermeasure: rear fangs that allow them to deflate the toads, making them easier to consume. Their menu also includes frogs, salamanders, small mammals, and various invertebrates. These snakes also have a mild venom in their saliva. Don’t worry! Unless you’re a frog or toad, a bite is akin to a bee sting and not something to be concerned about. Despite their dramatic displays and unusual feeding habits, eastern hognose snakes are completely harmless to humans.
When it comes to defense, few animals can match the eastern hognose for sheer drama. If threatened, it first attempts to intimidate predators by flattening its neck and hissing loudly, mimicking a cobra. It may also lunge forward, bluff-striking, since hognoses rarely bite. If this act doesn’t work, it resorts to a dramatic final performance: rolling onto its back, hanging its tongue out, and even defecating to appear dead. This behavior is one of the most well-known and theatrical defense mechanisms in the reptile world.
From its pig-like snout to its over-the-top performances, the eastern hognose snake is a truly remarkable species.
July’s next Reptile of the month will be Red Eared Sliders.
Video of Defense Mechanism:
Sources: https://www.wiltonpreserve.org/conservation/eastern-hognose-snake