Ohio residents occasionally come across photographs, documentaries, or viral videos showing a large snake suddenly opening its mouth to reveal a startlingly bright white interior. The image tends to leave a lasting impression. Many people immediately assume the snake is preparing to attack, while others interpret the display as proof that the species is naturally aggressive and eager to bite.
What surprises many observers is that the behavior usually means exactly the opposite.
The snake is often trying very hard to avoid biting at all…