What is a Western Hognose Snake?

The western hognose snake, Heterodon nasicus, is a small member of the colubrid snake family, ranging in size from 16 to 36 inches (about 40 to 90 cm). Also known as the puff adder, it is native to the midwestern United States but is found in parts of southern Canada and northern Mexico as well. Hognose snakes vary greatly in color, and are distinguished from other types of snakes by their stout appearance and upturned snout. Their diet consists of small rodents, amphibians and reptiles.

The snake is not considered dangerous and rarely bites people. It possesses large, grooved teeth in the rear of its mouth that carry a mild venom, which is thought to be used to subdue prey. Hognose snakes are typically not aggressive unless they are shedding, which may render them hostile.

There are numerous methods of defense that the Western hognose snake employs. At the first sign of danger, a western hognose snake will coil its tail tightly to resemble the rattle of a rattlesnake and will often inflate a hood on its neck similar to a cobra. If it still feels threatened, it will hiss loudly and strike at the offender in an attempt to frighten it off. As a last resort, the snake will play dead, rolling over on its back, usually with its mouth open and its tongue hanging out. It will not attempt to struggle if handled, but if placed on its belly, it will promptly roll onto its back again.

The western hognose snake has numerous color varieties from tan to brown or gray, with small spots down its back and two or three faint or distinct dark blotches on its sides. Most western hognose snakes have a pattern of large black spots on the underside. Active during the daytime, they are found in prairies, grasslands, and floodplains. While abundant in lowlands, they might also live as high as 8,000 feet (2,450 m) above sea level.

The species lays four to 23 thin-shelled eggs in soft, sandy soil between June and September. The young snakes hatch seven to nine weeks later. Hatchlings are between 6-7 ½" (15-19 cm) in length and reach maturity after two years.

A subspecies of the western hognose snake, the plains hognose snake, or H. n. nasicus, shares much of the same range and has a similar diet and habits. It differs in appearance by having more than 35-40 midline spots and nine or more scales between the prefrontal scales on its head.

Plains hognose snakes are found from Alberta and Manitoba in Canada southward to Texas and New Mexico in the United States. Both the plains hognose snake and western hognose snake are smaller than the similar eastern hognose snake, H. platyrhinos, which is native to most of the eastern and central United States.

The Western Hognose Snake is a small, non-venomous colubrid species known for its upturned snout and characteristic defensive behavior. Native to North America, it thrives in habitats ranging from grasslands to semi-arid regions. This snake is often recognized for its dramatic "playing dead" act when threatened, which deters predators.

Western Hognose Snakes primarily feed on amphibians, especially toads, which they are immune to the toxins of. They also consume small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Their upturned snouts are useful for digging out prey from loose soil, and their rear fangs help in subduing and consuming their meals.

When threatened, the Western Hognose Snake employs a variety of defense tactics. It may hiss, flatten its neck, and strike with a closed mouth (bluffing without biting). If these displays fail to deter a threat, it may roll over, play dead, and emit a foul smell to convince predators it's not a viable meal.

While not considered dangerous to humans, the Western Hognose Snake possesses a mild venom used to subdue prey. This venom is delivered through enlarged teeth in the rear of the mouth, but it is not typically harmful to humans. Bites are rare and usually occur only when the snake is mishandled or feels threatened.

A Western Hognose Snake can be identified by its distinctive upturned snout, stout body, and varied color patterns that often include shades of brown, gray, or green with darker blotches. They typically grow to about 15-33 inches in length. Their keeled scales and the habit of flattening their necks when threatened are also key identification features.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Western Hognose Snake is currently classified as "Least Concern," indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline. However, habitat destruction and the pet trade can impact local populations, so conservation efforts remain important for their continued stability.