What is a "hognose snake"?

A hognose snake is a non-venomous snake known for its unique appearance and behavior. It gets its name from its upturned snout, which resembles a pig's snout. Hognose snakes come in various colors and patterns, but they commonly have a flattened head and an upturned nose scale. These snakes are relatively small, typically ranging from one to three feet in length. Despite their harmless nature, hognose snakes have a defensive display where they flatten their necks, and hiss, and may even play dead by flipping onto their backs. They primarily feed on small prey such as frogs, toads, lizards, and rodents. Hognose snakes are fascinating and relatively docile reptiles, making them popular among snake enthusiasts.