Creature Feature: Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake

By MDC | July 1, 2024
From Xplor: July/August 2024
Body

Shovel Snout

A hog-nosed snake uses its flat, upturned snout to dig through loose soil while searching for toads to eat.

Hissy but Harmless

When threatened, a harmless hog-nosed snake hisses loudly and flattens its head and neck like a cobra.

Tougher than Toxins

Toads secrete poison from their skin that can kill or sicken predators. Hog-nosed snakes are immune to toad toxin and happily munch the hapless amphibians.

Cap of Coils

While playing dead, a hog-nosed snake often hides its head under the coils of its tail for protection.

Fakey Snake

If the cobra act fails to frighten away a predator, the hog-nose rolls onto its back, flops out its tongue, and pretends to be dead.

Also In This Issue

Media
Blackberries
Body

Forget about desert islands and pirate chests filled with gold. A much sweeter treasure is ripe for the taking, right here in Missouri.

This Issue's Staff

Artist – Matt Byrde
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Cliff White
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber