Snake Fakes Death While Showing Off Its Impressive Acting Skills

This snake has perfected a cunning way of deterring predators - by playing dead. With an Oscar-worthy performance, the Eastern Hognose writhes around as if in sheer pain, whilst also emitting a disgusting smell. The snake even hangs its fork tongue out of its mouth to ensure the dramatic scene is fully believable. Texan local, Kenneth Gisi, stumbled across the distinctive snake when it was being confronted by a feral cat.

Kenneth explained: "I was just coming home from the store and, while I was walking down my driveway, I noticed a feral cat in the tall grass staring down at the ground intensely. I had a feeling that this cat had found a snake so I went to investigate. Sure enough, it was this Hognose. I was extremely happy that I got to save it from the cat and got to experience this beautiful creature."

The Eastern Hognose is famous for being able to deter its enemies from attacking by doing the ages-old trick of playing dead. One really cool feature is that, when confronted with a possible foe, they spread their necks to imitate cobras. But if you don't go away, they will eventually throw themselves into fake spasms and simply play dead! Awesome!

Videographer / director: Kenneth Gisi
Producer: Shannon Lane, Ruby Coote
Editor: Sonia Estal