Western Hognose Snake

Check out that face!

Photo Credit: Doug Burkett

Western Hognose- Heterodon nasicus

This is (in my opinion) the cutest snake found in our state, although encounters with it tend to be quite rare. One of its distinctive features is a hard, turned-up scale located at the very tip of its nose, which aids the snake in burrowing into the ground and digging up its primary prey items – toads! This snake possesses a mild venom that is mainly effective against amphibians, making it an efficient hunter in its environment. For humans, the venom is generally harmless; however, there have been a few documented instances of more severe reactions occurring in individuals with allergies to the venom. Interestingly, these snakes are very dramatic when feeling threatened. They often play dead by rolling onto their backs, sticking their tongue out limply, and releasing a foul-smelling musk to deter potential predators and complete the elaborate act.

A very dramatic hognose playing dead

Photo credit: Doug Burkett