This snake made me about jump out of my skin yesterday morning down in Gulfport, MS.
I was running my measuring wheel down a sidewalk when something moved. At first a saw a large frog hop across then I realized I had disrupted this snake’s attack on the frog and he looked pissed.
I think I have a new vertical jump record.
Eastern Hognose Snake. Non-Venomous
Usually between 2-3 feet when ful grown. Like toads, found in sandy areas. Known for hissing and spreading their neck out like a cobra when in a defensive position. If bothered further will often roll over on their back and play dead. Rarely ever bite humans.
All you need to know is “Red and black friend of Jack. Red and yellow kill a fellow.” 
Eastern Coral snake is poisonous and has red bands next to the yellow bands.
Scarlet snake is not poisonous and has red bands next to the black bands.
I guess if your not worried about Timber, Cranebrake, Pigmy, Eastern Diamond Back Rattlesnakes, Copperheads or Water Moccasins.
Oh, and those too. 
That Eastern Hognose snake looks like it got run over by a muni right behind its head.
I would suspect that the snakes have been a bit displaced by the storm. Could be seeing more snakes in urban areas where people aren’t accustomed to seeing them.
You’d best forget about that little rule of thumb if you ever visit Australia. 
http://faunanet.gov.au/wos/factfile.cfm?Fact_ID=293
Andrew
and if you turn it upright, it will rollover upside down again to “convince” you that it is dead. Smart snake. 