Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

A stout, medium sized snake that can grow between 22 – 32 inches in length. They are most well-known for their upturned nose and the way they inflate their body and hiss when they feel threatened. The hognose can vary in color and may appear yellow, orange, light brown or even black.

They prefer dry, open areas like fields and forest edges, but can also be found in the sand. The hognose is one of the most fascinating snakes in Indiana because of the way they react to predators. When threatened, a hognose will either strike or play dead by regurgitating food and rolling on its back with its tongue sticking out. (Info from Indiana DNR / Photo credit: DNR/James Horton)