'Zombie Snake' Found In NC, State Park Officials Warn

Summer in North Carolina means snakes are out in full force, which also means its a pretty good time for folks to brush up on their knowledge of snake species. There are good ones, of course, like garter snakes, which eat bugs, and king snakes that target rodents. And there are the venomous types to steer clear of, like copperheads.

And then there are the zombie snakes.

Yes, North Carolina is home to a “zombie snake” that rolls over on its back and plays dead, warned the North Carolina State Parks and Recreation in a Facebook post. But don’t worry, they said — it’s harmless.

“Instead of watching clouds to see if we can keep weekend weather on track, let's play a game! Who is this ‘famous’ NC snake? A cobra? A zombie snake?”

Actually, it’s an eastern hognose snake, which earned its unique name thanks to its upturned snout that it uses to dig for toads, according to Herps of NC. When they feel threatened, they spread their necks and hiss, and can “feign death by opening its mouth, rolling over on its back, and writhing around,” according to the site. “If turned over onto its belly, it will immediate roll again onto its back.”

The snake is found throughout the eastern United States, from Florida to Minnesota, according to the Florida Museum, ABC News reported.

NC State Parks has named 2019 the Year of the Snake, a theme that will be used for programs, festivals and events throughout the state all year long. You can find out more about the program, along with educational resources about snakes in the Tar Heel State here.