It was about 18 to 20 inches long and heading toward the blind. Since hazel like snakes, but not well enough to share a small space with one that big, she unzipped the front and stepped out to get some close-ups.
I'm thinking this is an eastern hognose. It was trying to convince me it was powerful and dangerous with the hood flare, but instead of rearing up to face me like a cobra, it tilted it's back to me to show me the magnificent breadth of its back!
Very lovely, but not very intimidating.
When it realized it wasn't trapped, it just slithered off into the brush.
I've seen teeny hognose snakes before but never one this big. So I'm just making an educated guess that that's what this was.
Anyone know any differently?