There are many snakes that play dead but the most common one is the hognose snake. When hognose snakes feel threatened they will hiss and strike at their attacker. If that doesn’t work they will roll over on their back open their mouth and stick their tongue out. They may also release a foul-smelling substance from their anal glands. This behavior is called “playing possum” and it’s the snake’s way of saying “I’m not worth bothering with.”
What is the name of the snake that plays dead?
The hognose snake.
What does the hognose snake do when it plays dead?
It rolls over on its back and lies still.
Why does the hognose snake play dead?
To fool predators into thinking it is dead so they will leave it alone.
How does the hognose snake’s playing dead behavior help it to survive?
By tricking predators the hognose snake is less likely to be eaten and more likely to live to reproduce another day.
What other types of snakes also play dead?
The milk snake and the king snake.
Do all snakes play dead?
No not all snakes play dead.
What are some of the predators of the hognose snake?
Hawks owls and domesticated dogs and cats.
Where do hognose snakes live?
In North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
What kind of habitat do hognose snakes prefer?
Hognose snakes prefer open sandy areas such as prairies and sandhills.
What do hognose snakes eat?
Hognose snakes eat frogs toads lizards and small mammals.
How does the hognose snake kill its prey?
The hognose snake kills its prey by constricting it.
What is the lifespan of a hognose snake?
The average lifespan of a hognose snake is 15 years.
Are hognose snakes venomous?
No hognose snakes are not venomous.
What is the size of a hognose snake?
Hognose snakes can range in size from less than a foot to almost five feet long.
What color is a hognose snake?
Hognose snakes can be various colors including brown black gray and green.
