individuals are totally black; the tip of the tail on
the underside is lighter than the belly, scales
keeled.
Habits: Hog-nosed snakes like dry upland
wooded areas and open country. These are
the most theatrical of our snakes. They rarely
bite, but instead have several defensive or threat
display behaviors to scare off would be attackers.
When first encountered, this snake will flatten and spread its' neck "cobra" fashion. It will then hiss loudly and strike, although this strike is all bark and no bite. If the intruder has not fled by this time, the hog-nosed snake will roll over onto its back, open its mouth, writhe a few minutes and then lie still, "playing dead." After a few minutes the hog-nose will roll back over onto its belly and slither off into safety.
Distribution: Throughout Louisiana except swampland and marsh areas.
Comments: The hog-nosed snakes upturned and pointed snout is used for digging under leaf litter and into loose soil for its main food, the toad. This snake is also called the spreading adder or pine puffer. They are non-venomous.