Western Hognose Snake
Heterodon nasicus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Dipsadinae, Genus: Heterodon, Species: nasicus
Widespread across the Great Plains of North America, from southern Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) through the central United States (Montana to Texas) into northern Mexico.
Look up Western Hognose Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Mildly venomous (opisthoglyphous/rear-fanged)
Danger Level
Low Risk; they are extremely reluctant to bite and usually employ defensive bluffs instead. Bites generally only occur during feeding errors in captivity.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Dipsadinae, Genus: Heterodon, Species: nasicus
Conservation
IUCN Least Concern; however, they are protected in several U.S. states where populations are declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Physical Description
Tan or sandy background color with dark brown blotches. Characterized by a stout body, keeled scales, and a distinctive upturned 'hog-like' rostral scale used for digging. The head is relatively wide with large dark spots.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be an adult, approximately 40-60 cm in length. Adults typically range from 38 to 65 cm, with females being significantly larger than males.
Habitat
Inhabits grasslands, prairies, and scrublands with sandy or gravelly soils suitable for burrowing. Found from sea level to approximately 2,500 meters in elevation.
Behavior & Temperament
Famous for dramatic defensive displays, including neck-flattening (hooding), loud hissing, and 'death feigning' (thanatosis) where the snake rolls onto its back and hangs its tongue out. Usually docile and diurnal.
Diet & Feeding
Specializes in amphibians, particularly toads (Bufo spp.), using their rear fangs to puncture inflated toads. They also consume lizards, turtle eggs, and small rodents.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 4 to 23 eggs in early summer, which hatch in late summer or autumn. Breeding occurs in spring.
Venom Profile
Produces specialized saliva that is mildly toxic to small prey; generally considered medically insignificant to humans, though localized swelling can occur.
Look-alikes
Often confused with Prairie Rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) due to coloration, but distinguished by the upturned nose, lack of a rattle, and round pupils.
Conservation Status
IUCN Least Concern; however, they are protected in several U.S. states where populations are declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Cultural Significance
Highly popular in the pet trade due to their unique appearance and dramatic behaviors. Ecologically significant as a predator that controls amphibian populations.
Notable Features
The upturned rostral scale is a specialized adaptation for burrowing into sandy substrate to find food or seek shelter. Their ability to feign death is one of the most convincing displays in the animal kingdom.