This Zombie Snake Found In NC Pretends To Be Dead. Be Careful Picking It Up.

(Charlotte Observer) Mark Price June 10 2019 09:12 AM Beware of seemingly dead snakes in North Carolina. There are six venomous species to fear in the state but its one of the nonvenomous categories that is unpredictable enough to count as a zombie snake" according to a June 6 post by the N.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. The eastern hognose snake which grows up to 4 feet is famous" for playing dead when the mood strikes it the parks department said. They are nonvenomous and rarely bite but could be brutal for the faint of heart when miraculously springing back to life. The states post featured multiple photos of the snake flipped over on its back looking perfectly dead. However the snakes were very much alive. The hognose snake will feign death by opening its mouth rolling over on its back and writhing around. If turned over onto its belly it will immediately roll again onto its back" according to Herpsofnc.org. Worse still hognose snakes are also known for flaring their neck like a cobra when threatened and they may strike repeatedly" says the site. That habit has earned them the name puff adder" says Herpsofnc.