Common name : Hissing sand snake, Blow viper
Scientific name : Heterodon simus
Family : Colubridae
Native to : South-Eastern United States
Interesting fact : When defensive, it will play dead or puff up, form a hood, hiss continuously and pretend to strike.
Conservation status : Vulnerable
The Southern hog-nosed snake has an upturned snout and a sturdy body covered in scales. It is brown to red with dark blotches down the centre and smaller ones on the sides. They are harmless, and prefer dry, sandy areas. Living in burrows they eat toads, frogs, mice and lizards. They bite their prey with their fangs but inject no venom.
