Can you identify an unknown?

[shhhli]

My boyfriend's dad said at work (marina, freshwater, red mud, pine trees abundant) he and his co-workers found a small, 'tame' snake that did not make an attempt to bite, but upon picking it up flatened its head like a cobra. Tony and I looked on the Alabama snakes' page but couldnt find a description.
He said it had markings similar to a rattlesnake, but not exact.

Anyone have any ideas? Ive seen a few pics of some rat snakes that looked like they could flatten out (open mouths, very thin) but i'm scratching my head.

He said this is the 2nd one he's seen in 48 years in Alabama.
We're Centrally located near lake martin (where snake was found) if this is any help.

[Shelby]

Hm.. well a false water cobra fits the description, but they are found in south america. Perhaps some kind of hognose? I know they flatten their neck when threatened.

[daniel1983]

Sounds like a hognose to me....How big was it and what did its belly look like?

[wildlifewarrior]

Was it possibly an Eastern Hognose?? they are known very much for flattening their necks similar to a cobra, they are the only snake in the US (other than the western) that i can think flattens its neck enough to be cobra like and fit that rattlesnake description. If he had a slightly upturned nose that was him!


google pictures of eastern hognoses

wildlifewarrior

[daniel1983]

Here is an interesting page:
http://www.dcnr.state.al.us/watchabl...nakes/shns.cfm

The state page for reptiles: http://www.dcnr.state.al.us/watchabl...what/Reptiles/

[shhhli]

Thanks guys! I have to check that link in a sec

I would say it sounds like those hoggies ya'll are describing but i mean... a snake with a tuffed up nose would be the first thing i remembered. i'll have to ask. if it is, i think the eastern hog is endangered so im glad he didn't bring it home to show me like he was! O.O