Eastern hognose snake
Eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
Named for their upturned snout, the eastern hognose snake is a thick-bodied snake that can reach 46 inches in length. Its background color can vary from yellow to black with large rectangular spots down the middle of the back. Perhaps most distinguishing is this snake’s behavior. When disturbed, the hognose snake will flatten the skin around its head and neck (like a cobra), hiss and even lunge. Despite their tough act, hognose snakes rarely bite. If fact, they will eventually play dead to avoid further provocation.
Habitat: Eastern hognose snakes prefer woodlands and fields with sandy soil.
Cool facts:
- Hognose snakes prefer to eat toads!
- They are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need
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