Common Name
eastern hognose

When eastern hognoses snakes feel threatended they will spread their necks, hiss loudly, and inflate their bodies. If these actions do not deter the threat, they will roll over, open their mouths, convulse , and play dead.

Iowa Range
throughout Iowa with exception of north central regions

Habitat
sandy areas

Description
The eastern hognose snake has a sharply upturned snout, normally with a keel on top. The ventral is mottled gray or greenish on yellow, light gray, or pinkish. The underside of the tail is lighter than the belly. Scales are keeled and the anal plate is divided.