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Eastern Hognose Snake

Heterodon platirhinos

Description

Terrestrial; body color and patterns extremely variable; melanistic (all black) snakes quite common; belly gray; sharply upturned snout; easily recognized by behavior: when disturbed will hiss loudly, play "cobra" either upright or flat on ground, or play "dead"

Stats

Size

22 - 32 inches

Status

Uncommon

Similar Species

Fox snake, Bull snake

Diet

Toads, other amphibians

Habitat

Dry, open spaces near water

Reproduction

Egg-laying - up to 30 eggs laid in June/July will hatch in September

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