The snake that “plays dead”: Inside the bizarre defence tactics of hognose snakes

Snakes are often described as aggressive and dangerous creatures; there are many species of reptiles that do not rely on poison or other attacks to survive. Some snakes are known for their spectacular defence strategies that help them scare off the predator and stay alive. For example, hognose snakes are famous for their unusual defence tactics, including theatrically pretending to be dead. In the eyes of many experts, hognose snakes are the most impressive bluffers of the animal kingdom . Here are six amazing facts about the hognose snake's defensive behaviour.

Hognose snakes are known for their unusual and impressive defence strategies, not for attacks and bites. Unlike many other reptiles, hognose snakes use bluffing and theatrics to scare off the potential attacker instead of trying to bite it. Named for their slightly upturned snouts, which help them dig in the ground while hunting, hognose snakes are native to North America.

The first defence strategy that hognose snakes often employ is flattening their neck and upper parts of the body to create an intimidating impression. At the same time, they may make loud hisses and mimic attacks without biting. According to wildlife experts, such bluffing serves mostly to intimidate the enemy to give the snake a chance to escape.

Once it becomes clear that intimidation does not work, hognose snakes move to one of the most amazing defence strategies that reptiles use. Hognose snakes play dead, rolling onto their backs and opening their mouths to let the tongue hang outside. Moreover, they may emit foul-smelling substances to convince predators that they are already dead and are no longer tasty prey.

Perhaps the most unusual part of this behaviour is how committed the snake remains to its act. Some hognose snakes continue pretending to be dead even if gently touched or moved. Interestingly, if someone turns the snake upright, it may roll over again dramatically because its “dead pose” usually requires lying upside down. Wildlife researchers often describe this as one of the most convincing defensive performances among reptiles.

Although hognose snakes use such impressive tactics, they are rarely dangerous to people. Some species of hognose snakes have mild venom that helps them subdue their prey, usually small frogs and toads. Nevertheless, these snakes rarely attack people; hence, they are generally considered harmless.

The unusual defence tactics employed by hognose snakes appeared as a result of evolution because it was more beneficial to avoid conflict. Predator fights can do serious damage to the reptile, putting it at risk for other dangers. So hognose snakes will fake, intimidate and play dead to conserve their energy and improve their odds of survival.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Do not handle or disturb wild snakes, since behavior will differ from one species to another. In case of any snake emergency, contact the nearest wildlife or forestry department.