Ok, so after looking at a number of sites and photos I believe I've answered my own question: it's a melanistic eastern hognose. I've double checked the markings, the nose, the skin...all seem to match. This is the site I found with the best pics: http://www.hognose.com/pages/photos/east.htm

Sounds like a hog-nose to me too. You'll be in for a funny sight if you poke it a little. It will roll over on its back and play dead. If you turn it over on its belly again, it'll instantly turn over on its back again. Don't worry about being bitten. I've played with them for years and they don't seem inclined to bite.

I was a little apprehensive about it at the time, but now I wish I had! I've been looking it up and well, they're cute ;) Perhaps next time...

Looks like an eastern hognose to me, too, V. Their color can be variable, for sure, and that face is pretty distinctive, with the little upturned snout. They are quite heavy bodied for their length, and they can flatten their necks to make their heads look wider and more menacing. Great pictures. Nothing to worry about. Mostly, they eat toads, as you know. I think you have seen the regular ones on your property before, too, so it's good habitat.

DEFINITELY NOT a cottonmouth. No wide brown cheek stripe. Totally different head. Even though the body color on some cottonmouths can be almost black like that, the rest isn't right.

Enjoy your new buddy!

Marcia

vaodiva, excellent pictures.
Felix

Thanks everyone :)

Definitely a black phase (melanistic) eastern hognose snake. Absolutely gorgeous! Great pictures!

I agree, they are great pictures. My snake pictures are often shaky because they make me so nervous. I love them, but I guess I am just naturally a prey animal!