Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Heterodon platirhinos • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Dipsadinae, Genus: Heterodon, Species: Heterodon platirhinos
Venomous Status
Mildly venomous (Rear-fanged / Opisthoglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless / Low Risk. They are incredibly reluctant to bite humans and prefer dramatic defensive displays over physical contact.
Geographic Range
Eastern North America, ranging from southern New Hampshire and southern Ontario to Florida, and west to Minnesota and Texas.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). However, they are declining in parts of the northeast due to habitat loss and the decline of amphibian populations.
Physical Description
Thick-bodied with a characteristic upturned snout. Coloration is highly variable; this specimen shows a tan/gray ground color with dark brown or black blotches along the back. The scales are heavily keeled.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a small adult or sub-adult, approximately 18-24 inches. The species average is 20-33 inches, with a maximum record of 45 inches.
Habitat
Prefers areas with sandy soil, including open woodlands, forest edges, grasslands, and coastal scrub. Typically found at elevations from sea level to about 2,500 feet.
Behavior & Temperament
Famous for elaborate defensive displays. When threatened, they hiss loudly, flatten their necks like a cobra (puff adder behavior), and if that fails, they feign death by rolling onto their backs and lolling their tongues.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized toad eater (Anurophagous). They use their upturned snout to dig up toads and possess enlarged rear teeth to puncture inflated toads and facilitate swallowing.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 8-40 eggs in sandy soil during early summer, which hatch in late summer or early autumn.
Venom & Safety
Venom Type
Specialized duvernoy's gland secretions that are mildly toxic to toads and amphibians; generally harmless and non-medically significant to humans.
First Aid Advice
In the extremely rare event of a bite resulting in 'envenomation' (usually from prolonged chewing), local swelling or itching may occur. Wash the area with soap and water; medical intervention is rarely necessary unless an allergic reaction occurs.
Look-alikes
Often confused with Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) or Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) due to their thick bodies and patterns. They can be distinguished by their unique upturned rostral scale (snout) and round pupils.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). However, they are declining in parts of the northeast due to habitat loss and the decline of amphibian populations.
Cultural Significance
Often locally called 'puff adders' or 'spreading adders.' They play a vital ecological role in controlling toad populations and are a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts for their dramatic 'acting'.
Notable Features
Individual snakes are highly polymorphic in color (can be yellow, gray, brown, or even solid black). Their ability to play dead (thanatosis) is one of the most convincing in the animal kingdom.
Notes
Somerset county Maryland