Which snake is known for playing dead to deter predators?

The hognose snake is known for playing dead to deter predators. When threatened, North American hognose snakes may flatten their necks, hiss, strike, and then resort to thanatosis—the defensive behavior commonly called playing dead.

A hognose snake may roll onto its back, open its mouth, let its tongue hang out, and release foul-smelling musk. Some individuals even defecate, making the performance more convincing to predators that prefer fresh, active prey. If the danger passes, the snake may quickly turn over and escape.

The name hognose comes from the species’ distinctive upturned snout, which helps it dig through loose soil and leaf litter. Hognose snakes are mildly venomous rear-fanged snakes, but they are generally harmless to humans. The behavior is especially associated with North American Heterodon species, including the eastern hognose snake.