heterodon platirhinos, black phase, playing dead, cumberla…

This is an eastern hognose snake (black phase). This snake is in the "playing dead" portion of the routine. Manuel spotted the snake beside the trail. As I approached it spread its neck and looked like a cobra. When I caught it the hissing started then it played dead. We had so much fun with that. Every time I would flip it on its belly it would roll over on its back, open its mouth, and stick its tongue out. For more information: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heterodon_platirhinos

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Photograph, Eastern Hognose Snake Playing Dead

Hognose Playing Dead

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Eastern Hognose Snake Playing Dead

Photograph, Eastern Hognose Snake playing dead

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Snakes Photo Gallery by Tom Murray at

Snakes Photo Gallery by Tom Murray at