the western hognose snake heterodon nasicus

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Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus), also called a Plains Hognose Snake Royalty Free Stock Photo

The western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus)

Western Hognose Snake Heterodon nasicus Coiled Up in a Defensive Posture in Rocky Terrain in Eastern Colorado Royalty Free Stock Photo

Closeup Pink Albino Western Hognose Snake, Heterodon nasicus isolated black Royalty Free Stock Photo

Western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus) Royalty Free Stock Photo

he western hognose snake has one of the most elaborate bluff behaviors in the snake world. When threatened, the snake flattens the skin on its neck giving it a hooded appearance. It then takes a huge breath, inflating its body dramatically, and releases the air with a loud hissing noise. The snake may strike at the intruder, but the mouth is closed. (It is difficult to get a hognose snake to bite in self-defense.) Occasionally, if the snake is not left alone, it will go into convulsion-like motions, turning over on its back, thrashing its head from side to side, and pretending to die. During this death feign, the mouth is open and the tongue sticks limply out. The snake may even bleed from the mouth or the anal opening and expel feces, although this behavior is more common with the eastern hognose of the southeastern United States. When the snake is picked up, it is limp. If it is turned belly down, it quickly flips over. After a few minutes, the snake lifts its head and, if it perceives no threat, quickly slithers away.