(Today I’m allowing a Guest Writer on my blog, my husband. If you haven’t run for the exits and are still talking to me after today, I’ll return soon. Enjoy.)
One of the nicest things about living in this part of Georgia is the variety of animals. We have the usual deer, turkey, and song birds but one of the most interesting are our reptile friends: the snakes, lizards and turtles. The most curious of these fellow residents is a reptilian thespian of the highest order, the Hognose snake. They are non-venomous, amusing, and unusual. The name Hognose is derived from their upturned, swine like snout which is used to root for toads under the soil. They are either spotted or solid black at maturity. Most are less than 2 feet long but I did find one that was over 4 feet.
Wasn’t that hilarious!? They’re one of the few snakes that will not bite when provoked but instead go into entertainment mode. The “threatened” snake will spread a cobra like hood and hiss loudly trying to convince the aggressor that they are dangerous. If this doesn’t work, the next tactic is absolutely cartoonish. It will roll over onto its back over and over, extending its tongue and finally play dead. If you pick it up, it’ll keep trying to roll over and assume the position. I guess the Hognose thinks that all dead snakes should be laying on their backs. After a period of time, it will flip back onto its stomach, check to see if the coast is clear then carry on. If it had a face, I guess it would be trying to save it.
Wiregrass Steve
