Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My cats came across this snake this morning and I am at a loss on what kind it might be.

We live immediately adjacent to a wetlands nature preserve (aka a swamp) and it is that time of the year when a number of herp species are on the move in our area.

The little feller was about 20 inches long and did a terrific job as a mimic - flattening its head, coiling as if to strike and doing the puffing thing.

I'd never run across such an attractive snake before in orange and was curious as to what it might be.

(Just to bring the story to an end - we put the cats in the house and the snake went back into the woods.)

My first post so the picture didn't attache correctly. Great.

Here's the URL:

http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.pl?photo=144366

I've seen quite a few pictures of Eastern Hogs with that coloration. Perhaps some of the other guys can tell you if this snake has any special genetic traits. Either way, it is without a doubt an Eastern Hognose snake.

I didn't know there was an Eastern variety. My Dad, a professional herp, had one in his office but he had collected it in West Texas and it was predominately in shades of brown.

For some reason, I had it in my mind that hog-nosed snakes were just west of the Mississippi. Now, reading up on it, I realize it has a much larger range.

It sure was an attractive specimen. I'm used to your average Bull Snake, natrix and run-of-the-mill Garter Snakes around the yard, but nothing that comes in burnt orange!

I appreciate the reference. Thanks!

WOW nice find!! i love hoggies
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"i wasn't born with enough middle fingers"

1.0 ball python- Azazel
1.0 columbian boa- Brooklyn
1.0 JCP-Milton
1.0 red blood python-Hiss
1.0 peach phase thayeri-Sancho
0.1 creamsicle corn- Pandora
1.1 hognose- Pricilla and Odd
0.1 russian tortoise- Manja
0.1.1 leos- Boji and Kodama
0.1 beardie- Indie
1.0 BTS- Griffon
0.1 Iggy- Sunny
0.1 pacific parrolet- Mishka
1.1 cats- Cairo and Oberon
1.4 ratties Rizzo, Bree, Blitzkreig, Raisin, and the Runt (R.I.P. Willard. )

looks like a hoggie, or somethin.