western hognose snake

The western hognose snake, part of the genus Heterodon, is a nonvenomous snake native to North America. It is named for its upturned snout, which it uses for digging. When threatened, this snake flattens its head and neck, hisses, and may strike without biting. If this bluff fails, it will feign death by rolling over, writhing, and opening its mouth with its tongue lolling out.1

Hognose snakes primarily eat toads and can neutralize their poisonous skin secretions. They lay eggs underground. The western hognose snake is widely distributed across the Great Plains and extends from Canada to Mexico. It is a heavy-bodied, blotchy snake, typically growing to about 60 to 80 cm (23.6 to 31.5 inches) in length.1