While driving through the Arkansas countryside, I spotted two Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes on the side of the road. What made this moment stand out was their color difference—one was reddish, the other jet black.
Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes show a wide range of colors. They can be red, orange, brown, gray, or solid black. Sometimes they have a mix of these colors. Their color often depends on where they live. Their bellies are usually gray, yellow, or cream.
These snakes are also known for their behavior when they feel threatened. They puff up, spread their neck like a cobra, hiss, and sometimes pretend to strike. It looks dramatic, but it’s all a bluff.
This encounter reminded me why I love photographing wildlife in Arkansas. The variety of colors and the snake’s behavior made these two snakes a memorable subject. Arkansas continues to surprise me with the wildlife it offers.
Camera Settings For First Photo
- AV Mode
- Aperture f7.1
- ISO 800
- Shutter speed: 1/950 sec.
- Focal Length: 400 mm
Camera Settings For Second Photo
- AV Mode
- Aperture: f6.3
- ISO: 800
- Shutter speed: 1/300 sec.
- Focal Length: 400 mm