Kenneth L. Krysko photo.
Eastern Hognose Snake, Heterodon platirhinos
The eastern hognose snake feeds almost exclusively on toads, which are common in the live oak hammock at Fort Matanzas National Monument. It is well known for feigning death. When threatened, it flattens its head and neck and hisses loudly. It may strike violently, but even that is a fake for it only strikes away from the threat. If that is not enough to scare off the intruder, the hognose snake will turn onto its back and writhe around as though injured. It then lies still, belly up, with its mouth open and its tongue hanging out. If left alone, after a few minutes it turns its head over and looks around. If the intruder is gone, it will turn right side up and crawl away.
Kenneth L. Krysko photo.
There are two color phases, one is crossbanded and one is black.
