CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Eastern hognose snakes are one of the 23 species of snakes found in West Virginia, and according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), they are “among West Virginia’s most unusual and interesting snakes.”
Hognose snakes are non-venomous, usually around 3-4 feet and primarily eat toads. Although they exist in a range of different colors, from almost golden to solid black, they can easily be identified by their upturned snout or “hog nose.”
The most interesting thing about hognose snakes is their acting ability; many people fear them because when threatened, they flair their necks back, hiss and fake strike to resemble a viper. However, if that intimidation is ineffective, a hognose snake will resort to another drastic measure—playing dead.
A threatened hognose snake will twist around like it’s in pain and then turn onto its back and stick its tongue out so that it looks dead, much as like an opossum does. As shown in the video above from Encyclopaedia Britannica Films obtained from Getty Images, even if turned onto its belly, a hognose snake will immediately flip back over to maintain the illusion of being dead.
Why snakes are the most ‘misunderstood’ animals in West Virginia
Hognose snakes are often hunted by raccoons, opossums, predatory birds and even other snakes. Despite their showy signs of aggression, they are not dangerous to humans or pets.
Types of hognose snakes, including eastern, western and southern species, can be found in most of the central and eastern parts of the United States.
Although the hognose snake certainly does it in a dramatic fashion, it’s far from the only animal that fakes death for protection or to obtain food. According to National Geographic, guinea pigs, rabbits, lemon sharks and even domestic chickens will sometimes play dead.