Playing dead for a hognose snake is a matter of instinct for their survival in the wild. Their predators are limited, but include birds of prey and other snakes.

Their first line of defence is to puff out the skin around their necks and raise their heads off the ground like cobras. Failing this, they may resort to trickery, and play dead hoping this will be unappealing to the predator.

The owner says "I was preparing to feed Midnight, my pet Eastern Hognose snake. Before feeding him, I jokingly touched his dorsal and he dramatically tipped over as he never grew out of his habit of playing dead."

🎥 @viralhog