Hognose snakes are a type of colubrid snake native to North America. They get their name from their upturned snout which is used for burrowing. Hognose snakes are small to medium-sized snakes with most species reaching an adult length of 2 to 3 feet. Some hognose snakes such as the Western hognose snake can reach lengths of up to 5 feet.
Hognose snakes are found in a variety of habitats including forests grasslands and deserts. In the United States they are found in the southeastern and southwestern states as well as in the Great Plains states of Nebraska and Kansas. In Canada hognose snakes are found in the southern provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
Hognose snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. They are shy snakes that will usually try to flee when approached by humans. If provoked hognose snakes will sometimes flatten their necks hiss and strike at their attacker. However they are not aggressive and will not bite unless they feel threatened.
Hognose snakes are relatively easy to care for in captivity. They can be kept in a variety of enclosures including terrariums vivariums and aquaria. Hognose snakes are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of foods including rodents lizards frogs and toads.
If you are interested in keeping a hognose snake as a pet be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Hognose snakes make great pets for snake enthusiasts of all experience levels.
What is the scientific name for the hognose snake?
Heterodon nasicus
What are the three subspecies of hognose snake?
Heterodon nasicus nasicus Heterodon nasicus gloydi Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi
What are the three main habitats of hognose snakes?
Plains prairies and desertscrub
Where do hognose snakes hibernate?
In mammal burrows rock crevices and other underground locations
What do hognose snakes eat?
Amphibians reptiles birds and small mammals
What is the typical lifespan of a hognose snake?
Up to 20 years
How big do hognose snakes get?
Up to 3 feet long
What color are hognose snakes?
Light brown dark brown or olive green with darker brown or black blotches
What is the average litter size of a hognose snake?
8-15
How often do hognose snakes shed their skin?
2-5 times per year
What is the gestation period of a hognose snake?
50-70 days
What is the average number of eggs laid by a hognose snake?
4-24
What is the incubation period of hognose snake eggs?
60-80 days
When do hognose snakes reach sexual maturity?
2-3 years
What predators do hognose snakes have?
Other snakes owls hawks and coyotes
