Help identify snake
Posted by paul ingram on September 3, 2007
Q: Found this baby snake in the pool, about six inches long. Released it into the woods. What is it?
State: Mississippi
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A: I'm pretty sure your snake is an Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) and not the Southern Hognose (need to see its belly for an ID). The Southern species lives only in extreme southeastern MS while lthe Eastern is found throughout the state. This a totally harmless snake that feeds quite a bit on toads and won't harm your family or pets. Hognose snakes will flatten their heads and hiss in a defensive posture and may even "play dead" if threatened so are regarded as especially interesting snakes because of their behavior. My guess is that this animal accidentally got into your pool and couldn't get out. Good that you released it in the woods.
Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( September 3, 2007)