Nature & Environment

'Zombie' snake lies on its back and plays dead

By T.K. Randall
June 12, 2019

Image: Murray Darling Carpet Python
Credit: Scarlet23 / CC BY-SA 3.0 (adapted) Referred to as a 'zombie snake', this intriguing reptile - also known as the eastern hognose or puff adder - is found in several US states ranging from Florida to Minnesota.

What makes this particular snake so interesting is the fact that, when threatened, it will attempt to play dead by flipping on to its back and lying on the ground completely motionless.

While the eastern hognose rarely bites humans, people have been warned not to poke or prod at the snake even if it appears dead because it may simply be pretending.

"We love hognose snakes," said department spokeswoman Katie Hall.

"They put on this really dramatic display, but it's kind of adorable."


Source: Huffington Post

Tags: Zombie, Snake