(Charlotte Observer)
Mark Price June 10, 2019 09:12 AM
Beware of seemingly dead snakes in North Carolina.
There are six venomous species to fear in the state, but it’s one of the nonvenomous categories that is unpredictable enough to count as a “zombie snake,” according to a June 6 post by the N.C. Department of Parks and Recreation.
The eastern hognose snake, which grows up to 4 feet, is “famous” for playing dead when the mood strikes it, the parks department said. They are nonvenomous and rarely bite, but could be brutal for the faint of heart when miraculously springing back to life.
The state’s post featured multiple photos of the snake flipped over on its back, looking perfectly dead. However, the snakes were very much alive.
“The hognose snake will feign death by opening its mouth, rolling over on its back, and writhing around. If turned over onto its belly, it will immediately roll again onto its back,” according to Herpsofnc.org.
Worse still, hognose snakes are also known for flaring their neck like a cobra when threatened, and “they may strike repeatedly,” says the site. That habit has earned them the name “puff adder,” says Herpsofnc.
Comments