5 Shocking Facts About The Eastern Hognose Snake That Emerged From The Ocean In Ocean City, Maryland

The sight of a snake emerging from the Atlantic Ocean is not what most beachgoers expect on the sandy shores of Ocean City, Maryland, but in a viral incident from April 2023, that is exactly what happened. The surprising appearance of an Eastern Hognose Snake, a species native to the region, swimming out of the surf captivated and confused the public, raising questions about this peculiar reptile's habits and its presence in the popular coastal resort town. This article, updated for , dives deep into the facts surrounding this unusual sighting, revealing why this harmless snake is one of Maryland’s most dramatic and fascinating creatures, and what its presence means for the local ecosystem in Worcester County, MD.

The Eastern Hognose Snake (*Heterodon platirhinos*), often mistaken for a dangerous serpent due to its elaborate defense mechanisms, is a staple of the sandy coastal plain habitat that stretches from the barrier islands to the mainland. While seeing one on the beach is rare, seeing one emerge from the saltwater is an extraordinary event that highlights the surprising resilience of Maryland's coastal wildlife.

The Eastern Hognose Snake: A Coastal Maryland Profile

The Eastern Hognose Snake is a fascinating reptile with a distinct appearance and personality, making it a favorite among herpetologists, even as it causes alarm for the uninitiated. Its presence in Ocean City, MD, is directly linked to the area's natural, sandy habitat.

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• Scientific Name: *Heterodon platirhinos*
• Common Names: Eastern Hognose Snake, Spreading Adder, Puff Adder, Hog-nosed Snake.
• Classification: Family Colubridae (non-venomous snakes).
• Size: Adults typically range from 20 to 33 inches in length, though they can reach over 40 inches.
• Appearance: Stocky body with a distinctive, upturned snout (rostral scale), which gives it the "hog-nose" name. Coloration is highly variable, ranging from yellow, gray, brown, or olive, often with dark blotches that can make it resemble a rattlesnake or copperhead.
• Habitat in Maryland: Found statewide but most common on the sandy Coastal Plain, which includes the Ocean City and Assateague Island areas. They prefer dry, sandy, or loose soil environments, such as pine barrens, fields, and coastal dunes, where they can easily burrow.
• Diet: Highly specialized, consisting almost entirely of amphibians, particularly toads, such as the Fowler's Toad.
• Conservation Status: Generally stable, though often listed as a species of concern in parts of its range due to habitat loss.

The Eastern Hognose is a non-venomous species, though it does possess very mild venom delivered by rear fangs, which is only effective on its primary prey—toads—and poses no threat to humans or pets. Its true danger lies in its dramatic, cobra-like bluff.

The Mystery of the Ocean City Ocean Sighting: Why Was a Hognose Snake Swimming?

The viral video of the Eastern Hognose Snake emerging from the Atlantic surf in Ocean City, MD, in 2023 was a genuinely unusual event. Hognose snakes are terrestrial and not considered marine snakes. While snakes can swim, saltwater environments are not their natural habitat, and prolonged exposure can be harmful.

Expert commentary suggests a few plausible explanations for the extraordinary sighting:

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Accidental Disorientation and Currents

The most likely scenario is that the snake became disoriented or was accidentally swept out to sea. Hognose snakes live in the dune and marsh habitats near the beach, especially in undeveloped areas like Assateague Island National Seashore, which is adjacent to Ocean City. They are known to travel, and a strong tide or a rogue wave could have pulled the snake into the surf zone. Once in the ocean, it would naturally try to swim back to shore, which is what the beachgoers witnessed.

Seeking Cooler Temperatures

Reptiles are cold-blooded (ectothermic) and rely on external temperatures to regulate their body heat. If the snake was basking on a particularly hot day, it might have sought out the water to cool down, a behavior observed in other snake species. However, the Atlantic Ocean's temperature in April, when the sighting occurred, makes this less probable.

Not an Isolated Incident

While shocking, the Ocean City event is not entirely unprecedented. Herpetologists have confirmed at least four other documented instances of Eastern Hognose Snakes being spotted far from shore, including one sighting more than a mile out to sea. This indicates that while rare, the species is capable of swimming in the ocean, though it is certainly not a typical activity. The snake was likely exhausted but determined to reach the dry, sandy environment of the beach.

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The Drama Queen of Maryland: Hognose Snake's Bizarre Defense Mechanism

If the sight of a snake swimming in the ocean is shocking, the Eastern Hognose Snake’s defensive display is even more theatrical. This unique behavior is why the snake is often called the "Spreading Adder" or "Puff Adder," and it is the primary reason for human-wildlife conflict.

1. The Cobra-Like Bluff

When initially threatened, the hognose snake will flatten its head and neck into a wide hood, similar to a cobra. It will then hiss loudly, strike repeatedly, and even engage in "mock strikes" without opening its mouth. This dramatic display is a pure bluff, designed to scare off predators like raccoons, opossums, and hawks. It is a harmless, yet convincing, performance.

2. The Feigned Death (Playing Dead)

If the cobra bluff fails to deter the threat, the hognose snake transitions to its most bizarre defense: feigning death. The snake will writhe violently, often regurgitating its last meal, and then flip onto its back, lying motionless with its mouth open and tongue hanging out. If a predator attempts to flip the snake back over, it will immediately roll onto its back again, stubbornly maintaining the illusion of death. This is an effective strategy, as many predators avoid scavenging already-dead animals.

This elaborate act is crucial for public safety awareness in Ocean City and the surrounding areas. A hognose snake displaying this behavior is not a venomous threat; it is simply a scared animal putting on a show.

The Eastern Hognose Snake's Crucial Role in the Coastal Ecosystem

The Eastern Hognose Snake is a vital component of the coastal ecosystem, particularly in the sandy habitats of the Delmarva Peninsula. Its specialized diet is the key to its ecological importance.

A Toad Specialist

The snake’s diet is almost exclusively toads, such as the Fowler's Toad, which are abundant in the dunes and scrubland near the beach. Toads, in turn, feed on insects, helping to control local pest populations. This predator-prey relationship is a delicate balance in the coastal food web.

The Anti-Toad Adaptation

Toads have a defense mechanism where they puff up their bodies with air, making them difficult to swallow. The hognose snake has evolved a unique counter-adaptation: its rear fangs are used to puncture and deflate the toad, making it easier to consume. The mild venom also helps to subdue the toad, further highlighting the snake's specialization.

A Sign of a Healthy Habitat

The presence of the Eastern Hognose Snake near Ocean City and in parks like the Isle of Wight Nature Park is a strong indicator of a healthy, functioning ecosystem. Their reliance on specific prey and habitat means that a stable population suggests the local environment is relatively undisturbed and capable of supporting a diverse range of wildlife.

What to Do if You Encounter a Hognose Snake in Coastal Maryland

Encounters with wildlife are part of the experience when visiting the Maryland coast, from Assateague's wild horses to shorebirds and the occasional snake. Knowing how to react to an Eastern Hognose Snake is important for both human and animal safety.

• Do Not Panic: Remember that the Eastern Hognose Snake is non-venomous and harmless to humans. Its dramatic displays are pure bluff.
• Maintain Distance: Give the snake a wide berth. Never attempt to touch, handle, or move the snake, as this can stress the animal and provoke a defensive reaction.
• Observe and Appreciate: If the snake is "playing dead," simply observe its remarkable behavior from a distance. It will right itself and slither away once it feels the threat has passed.
• Do Not Relocate: If you see a snake in a natural area, leave it be. Relocating a snake can be detrimental to its survival and is often illegal without a permit. If a snake is in a high-traffic area or poses a direct threat to a home, contact a local animal control or wildlife removal service in Worcester County, MD.

The Eastern Hognose Snake emerging from the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City, Maryland, was a viral reminder that nature is full of surprises. This fascinating reptile, with its cobra impersonation and death-feigning antics, is a crucial and harmless resident of the sandy coastal environment, deserving of respect and space.