Hogging the Spotlight

By: Zack Dowling

The newest addition to the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, Piggy Smalls, a Western Hognose snake

This summer we were fortunate enough to welcome a new animal ambassador to our team: Piggy Smalls, a baby Western Hognose snake. Hognose snakes get their name from their upward-facing snout, an adaptation that allows them to dig into the dirt using a snake’s main tool – its face.

These snakes share some similarities with their Eastern cousin – our local hognose species – but take to a more accessible diet when kept in captivity. In the wild, both types would specifically seek toads as their preferred food. Like all animals, snakes need a lot of specialized care to live happy and healthy lives indoors.

Hognose snakes are also known for their unique approach to threats. Rather than embracing the “fight or flight” method of most cornered creatures, the snake simply rolls onto its back and plays dead. Its dark black belly helps portray it as unpalatable as possible while it waits for whatever predator may be attacking it to move on. Hilariously unaggressive, it goes to remind you that even animals as polarizing as snakes can truly be more afraid of you than you are of them.

While opinions about snakes can differ, we invite anyone to come see our adorable slithery friend for yourself at our facility.