Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
Sophie, our cat, first spotted it and then Kookie, our boxer/lab, ran over and began her "snake" bark. Kookie is scared of snakes and would not be any closer than a foot from it. I went into the house to grab my camera.
With Kookie still barking, the snake had spread its head and neck and gazed toward me, hizzing all the while. That's how I knew it was a hognose. From this angle, it's hard to see the characteristic upturned snout which gives the snake its name. He uses the snout to dig up buried toads--plenty of those around here. This snake looked over 3o inches long--close to the mature size.
This photo was taken with the flash--hence the more yellowish tone. I had seen a hognose many years ago but that one was colored much differently--much lighter. So, it's hard to identify by color although the markings are similar. The hissing and flared head behavior was a dead giveaway for the hognose. That is how I knew this snake was all bark and no bite. Back then, I was so scared I backed off without getting a photo. My husband went out and moved it with a stick--it flipped over and played dead, another characteristic of the snake.
But I didn't want to bother the snake. I grabbed Kookie by her collar and led her back to the house. She did not object--thankful that I had saved her from the snake encounter. When I went back, the snake was gone.
What fun finding one of these snakes. I've not found them close by, but several times out in the Carolina Sandhills. Enjoyed Kookie's story too.
ReplyDeleteIts odd but I don't see the pic :-(
ReplyDeleteRandy--they are fun once you find out they won't hurt you.
ReplyDeleteLouvregirl--I had copied and pasted the post from another blog I mistakenly put it on. So, I reposted the photos. You can now click on them to get the full size. Thanks for alerting me.
I live on the tail end of the Appalachian Ridge in Nova Scotia, where the wildlife seems much the same and much different.
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Hognose snakes are a great find due to their unusual defensive behavior. I found a hognose in our garden earlier this spring. Judging by the bulge, I'd say it had very recently downed a toad.
ReplyDeleteGreat photographs. We once had a Springer with a "snake" bark as well and often because she found a hognose. It is amazing how much they can puff themselves up. In Eastern North Carolina they are often called "hissing adders" although I've never heard them called that in the mountains.
ReplyDeletewhat an awesome looking snake. great find by Sophie and Kookie. interesting traits the snake has for defense. hope all is well. have a great night.
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing look animal
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely markings! I would have probably run .... I am a bit scared of them too :)
ReplyDeleteI'm scared too, but there just God's creature, and look marvellous for me
ReplyDeleteIt is actually a beautiful snake. I'm glad you went back for your camera.
ReplyDeletenellie
I was out turkey hunting this morning when a came upon a hognose snake. At first I thought it was a copperhead but it flattened its head out like a cobra. It was colored just like the one in your pic. Near, Pipestem , W.V.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous--how cool!
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