Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 May 1895 — Snakes Which Feign Death. [ARTICLE]

Snakes Which Feign Death.

This habit of feigning death is not unknown among snakes. It is particularly characteristic of the puffing adder, or hognose snake, although it has been observed in the grass snako and others. Several writers in Nature have recently described tho “fainting” of tho puffing adder. When the snake finds it impossible to escape he threshes his head violently from side to side, the mouth open to its widest extent and the tongue protruding. After a few convulsive movements the body becomes limp and apparently lifeless. It may even be stroked or carried about withoutshowing any signs of animation. The body would remain in whatever position it was placed except in its natural position; if it were thus placed it rolled over on its back and resumed its lethargy. The snako could be reanimated by being plunged in water, or if left to itself it would after a time revive of its own accord.