Details
Heterodon platirhinos
The eastern hognose snake is a North American snake with an upturned snout. When threatened it spreads the neck, bluffs, and may finally play dead.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It inhabits Nearctic forest, grassland, and coastal sandy areas. Loose sandy soil and open habitats with toads are especially suitable.
Length 50-115 cm; weight 100-350 g. The upturned snout helps with digging. Color varies from brown and grey to reddish, with highly variable blotching.
Diurnal and solitary, it gives dramatic defensive displays. It may flatten the head and neck, hiss, then roll over and become limp.
A carnivore, it feeds mainly on toads and frogs. Rear teeth and saliva help handle prey, including inflated toads.
Females lay eggs in sand or soft soil. Hatchlings search for small amphibians and invertebrates soon after emergence.
It is listed as Least Concern. It is usually harmless to people and relies on bluffing displays to deter predators.
