EASTERN HOGNOSE SNAKE
Heterodon platirhinos
Constrictor- Nonvenomous
The Hognose snake is assumed to be found statewide. The eastern hog-nosed snake is medium-sized, with a heavy body and an upturned snout.
The average adult measures 20-33 in. total length (body + tail), with females being larger than males.
When threatened, the neck is flattened, and the head is raised off the ground. They also hiss and will strike, but they do not attempt to bite. The snake also may thrash around, open its mouth, roll over, and play dead. They are also known to excrete a foul musk smell from their cloaca.
There is no definite home range. Individuals burrow into loose soil or sand or enter the borrows of small mammals. They are also known to hide under objects such as rocks or boards. A variety of habitats are used such as sandy river floodplains, old fields, open woods, and rocky wooded hillsides.
The Eastern hognose snake feeds extensively on amphibians, toads are the most popular. This snake has resistance to the toxins toads secrete.
The Hognose snake is assumed to be found statewide. The eastern hog-nosed snake is medium-sized, with a heavy body and an upturned snout.
The average adult measures 20-33 in. total length (body + tail), with females being larger than males.
When threatened, the neck is flattened, and the head is raised off the ground. They also hiss and will strike, but they do not attempt to bite. The snake also may thrash around, open its mouth, roll over, and play dead. They are also known to excrete a foul musk smell from their cloaca.
There is no definite home range. Individuals burrow into loose soil or sand or enter the borrows of small mammals. They are also known to hide under objects such as rocks or boards. A variety of habitats are used such as sandy river floodplains, old fields, open woods, and rocky wooded hillsides.
The Eastern hognose snake feeds extensively on amphibians, toads are the most popular. This snake has resistance to the toxins toads secrete.
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Photo by Peter Paplanus
