Easily identified by its upturned snout, it is a very stout bodied snake with brown blotches on a background that can vary from light tan to gray.

This is a very unique snake with unusual defenses. When this non-venomous snake is first encountered, it will flare its neck and head so that it somewhat resembles a cobra's hood, and at the same time will hiss very loudly!

If this doesn't scare you away, the snake may roll over on its back with its mouth open and 'play dead'. If you roll it back upright, it will flip itself back onto its back, as though insisting that it is dead!

The adults average around 2 feet long, and they feed almost exclusively on toads. - Tim Cole