SINCE 1828
hognose snake
noun
hog·nose snake
| \ ˈhȯg-ˌnōz-
, ˈhäg-\
, ˈhäg-\
Definition of hognose snake
: any of a genus (Heterodon) of rather small harmless stout-bodied North American colubrid snakes with keeled scales and an upturned snout that seldom bite but hiss wildly and often play dead when disturbed
— called also hog-nosed snake, puff adder
Examples of hognose snake in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One harmless snake common in Texas is the eastern hognose snake. — Rebecca Hennes, Houston Chronicle, "11 non-venomous snakes you want in your backyard," 13 June 2019 Known for rolling on their backs and opening their mouths, the eastern hognose snake often plays dead to prevent predators from attacking. — Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY, "'Zombie snakes' are going viral. So why are they unique? And are they dangerous?," 11 June 2019 The hognose snake will feign death by opening its mouth, rolling over on its back, and writhing around. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE.com, "'Famous' North Carolina 'Zombie' Snake Species Likes to Play Dead Before Striking Repeatedly," 11 June 2019 The eastern hognose snake is famous for flipping over on its back and playing dead, the North Carolina State Parks and Recreation said. — Fox News, "‘Zombie snake’ found in North Carolina can 'play dead,' officials say," 11 June 2019 But giving them a run for the money will be the wildlife ambassadors that call the Science Center home: Ethel the opossum, Spooks the hognose snake, Sunny the yellow-bellied ball python and Mr. Six the three-toed box turtle. — Faye Reeder, star-telegram, "Cocktails, appetizers, s’mores, jazz, stargazing and wildlife at Night With Nature | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 25 Oct. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hognose snake.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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