George,

I am an alumni from the University of Virginia. I am now at the University of Cambridge, pursuing a PhD in social anthropology. I had been following the Living Wage campaign through your website when I stumbled upon the page about "The Cobra of Barboursville."

I was curious because I used to keep snakes. I disagree with Lloyd Snook. I don't think it was a Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. Instead, I think it is an Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platyrhinos).

"This docile snake is also identifiable by its tendency to inflate its head and neck, coil, hiss and strike when initially disturbed. It does not bite, however, and if this display does not scare away the predator, the snake will writhe and feign death. It is quite variable in color, but usually tan to dark brown, and sometimes yellowish."

From Virginia Wildlife Information. Photo: John White

I would know because I found one myself in Earlysville!

All the best,
Justin Shaffner (electronic mail, May 1, 2006)