This is one snake that I just can’t say enough nice things about!

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Yes, the Eastern Hognose Snake is an incredible and amazing creature. It feeds mostly on toads, and can be found in woodland areas. I also has a whole pile of defense mechanisms.

First, it can pull off the “Cobra” look by puffing up its head. When it does this, two large black spots at the rear of its head also expand, which can look very intimidating. While puffing up the hood, they will also hiss and mock-strike by lunging forward with their mouths closed.

Along with the hood puffing up, the entire snake can also fill with air to increase its size. For this reason many will call them “puff-adders” or “blow-snakes.”

Another amazing defense mechanism is playing “possum.” Just like possums, the Eastern Hognose snakes will also play dead. In fact, when a Hognose who is busy playing dead is placed right-side-up on its belly, it’ll roll over onto its back to appear dead. With the gaping mouth, lack of movement, and tongue hanging out, they really act the part very well.

Like many other snakes, “musking” is also a primary defense mechanism. This is basically emitting a foul odor out of their vent, which both smells and tastes bad. The goal with this effort is to be nasty enough to be unappealing and therefore left alone. It may work for animals that are attempting to eat the snake, but it doesn’t work on @papa-pepper, though the @little-peppers find it to be a bit gross!

Here is a bit more about the Eastern Hognose Snake.

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HERE IS THE PAGE FROM OUR FIELD GUIDE

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SOME ORIGINAL SHORT EASTERN HOGNOSE SNAKE VIDEOS

CONTORTING AND PLAYING DEAD

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TWO BABIES

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THE COBRA LOOK AND MOCK STRIKING

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UPVOTE-FOLLOW-RESTEEM

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IN CASE YOU MISSED THE PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

• INTRODUCTION

• SNAPPING TURTLE

• AMERICAN TOAD

• GREY TREE FROG

• RED-BACKED SALAMADER

• GARTER SNAKE

• FIVE LINED SKINK

• SPINY SOFTSHELL TURTLE

• PRAIRIE SKINK

• SPRING PEEPER

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Stay tuned for the Tiger Salamander next!