The term “hoop snake” is of unknown origin but it has been used in North America to describe various snakes most often those that can roll up their bodies into a hoop shape and roll downhill apparently with great speed. The best-known examples are the hognose snakes (Heterodon) but other snakes have been called hoop snakes including the ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus) the garter snake (Thamnophis) and the mud snake (Farancia abacura).
The ability to roll into a hoop is particularly associated with hognose snakes which have been known to roll down hillsides across roads and even into the water. reports of hoop snakes rolling down hills are most common in the Ozark Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains but they have also been reported from other parts of the United States including Pennsylvania New York Illinois and Missouri.
The hoop snake is said to be a dangerous creature able to kill with its venom or by constriction. In some stories the hoop snake is also said to be able to pick up its tail in its mouth and form a hoop which it can then use to roll after its prey.
One of the earliest references to the hoop snake is found in an 1881 book about Missouri which describes the snake as “a mythical reptile said to be very poisonous and to have the habit of pursuing and biting people and then rolling after them like a hoop.”
A more recent reference to the hoop snake is found in an article about Appalachian folk beliefs which includes the following story about a hoop snake:
“One summer day a young boy was playing near a small stream in the mountains of Kentucky. He saw a snake swimming across the stream. The snake began to coil itself into a hoop and then started rolling downstream. The boy ran to tell his father what he had seen.
The father went to the stream and saw the hoop snake rolling downstream. He picked up a stick and tried to hit the snake but the snake uncoiled itself and attacked the man. The man killed the snake with his stick.”
While there are many stories about hoop snakes there is no scientific evidence that any snake can roll into a hoop and chase after its prey. It is possible that the stories are based on a misunderstanding of how hognose snakes behave. When threatened hognose snakes will sometimes puff up their bodies and hiss loudly. They may also strike at their attacker and even pretend to bite. This aggressive display may be what led to the belief that hoop snakes are dangerous creatures.
What is a hoop snake?
A hoop snake is a type of snake that can roll itself into a hoop and roll after its prey.
Where do hoop snakes live?
Hoop snakes are found in North America Europe and Asia.
What do hoop snakes eat?
Hoop snakes eat small animals such as rodents and lizards.
How long are hoop snakes?
Hoop snakes can grow to be up to 6 feet long.
How do hoop snakes kill their prey?
Hoop snakes kill their prey by biting them and then constricting them.
Are hoop snakes venomous?
No hoop snakes are not venomous.
How can you tell if a hoop snake is angry?
If a hoop snake is angry it will coil itself up and hiss.
What is the difference between a hoop snake and a regular snake?
A hoop snake can roll itself into a hoop while a regular snake cannot.
Do all snakes have the ability to hoop?
No not all snakes have the ability to hoop.
What is the scientific name for a hoop snake?
The scientific name for a hoop snake is Jugularis regius.
What color are hoop snakes?
Hoop snakes are usually green but they can also be brown black or gray.
Are hoop snakes dangerous to humans?
No hoop snakes are not dangerous to humans.
What do baby hoop snakes look like?
Baby hoop snakes look like miniature versions of adult hoop snakes.
How do hoop snakes reproduce?
Hoop snakes lay eggs and the eggs hatch into baby snakes.
Do hoop snakes make good pets?
No hoop snakes do not make good pets.
