Eastern Hognose Snake

Heterodon platirhinos

Hognose snakes go through a whole catalog of tricks to get rid of a foe. If you come close to one it will try to scare you off by hissing, puffing itself up, flattening its head, and spreading its neck. If that doesn't work, it rolls over on its back, sticks out its tongue, convulses, and then lies still as if dead. The Eastern Hognose Snake eats toads.

Look For : A snake with an upturned nose and a thick neck. Pattern and color vary; normally spotted, but occasionally jet black. Tail light-colored below; belly darker.

Length : 20-45".

Habitat : Sandy areas, fields, grasslands, woodland edges, pine woods, barrier beaches.

Range : Eastern U.S. from Minnesota through eastern Texas.