7.2K views · 114 reactions | Our eastern Hognose was used for some photos for a book today, and he obliged by playing dead. This fascinating behavior is only a ploy to deter predators, the snake is completely fine. Hognose are also known for having a small hood similar to a cobra. (Heterodon platyrhinos ) | Kentucky Reptile Zoo | Facebook

The way he stuck his tongue out 😭 Playing dead for a hognose snake is a matter of instinct for their survival in the wild. Their predators are limited, but include birds of prey and other snakes. Their first line of defence is to puff out the skin around their necks and raise their heads off the ground like cobras. Failing this, they may resort to trickery, and play dead hoping this will be unappealing to the predator. The owner says "I was preparing to feed Midnight, my pet Eastern Hognose sna