Eastern Hognose Snake - Heterodon platirhinos

Adult Size: 51-84 cmRecord: 115.6 cm

At Hatching: 12.5-25.4 cm

Visually similar to what many would consider to be a poisonous snake, the Eastern Hognose Snake will usually feature splotches (similar to copperhead) on yellow, brown, gray, olive, orange or red skin and the underside of the tail will be lighter than the body. The snout of the animal will be turned upwards; which is true for any hognose snake - of which this is the only one on the site. Perhaps most telling of this animal will be its many defensive strategies where it will mimic the behavior of more dangerous snakes. It may hiss, spread its neck, or even rattle nearby leaves. Hognose snakes are also known to play dead. (Conant and Collins 327)