1.2M views · 1K reactions | Hognose snake using its dramatic defensive mechanism. | Critters Of The World & Southern Outdoor Education | Facebook

This is a harmless eastern hognose snake playing dead, a defensive tactic that they usually deploy after huffing and inflating themselves with air to appear larger. Though I think the impact on the snake is usually minimal, I try to avoid this as sometimes they will regurgitate meals! That being said, it’s quite the spectacle to watch! Get a better look on YouTube! #snakes #reptiles #animals #nature #wildlife #hognose #critters #creatures #fyp | Will Robertson's Wildlife

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