Hognose Snake Care

North American Hognose Snake (Heterodon spp.) is a non-medically significant venomous genus of fossorial colubrid snakes native to southern Canada, northern Mexico, and most of the United States.
There are actually 3 recognized genera of “hognose” snakes: Heterodon (North America), Lystrophis (South America), and Leioheterodon (Madagascar). Although unrelated, these snakes look like cousins due to convergent evolution.

This care guide discusses the three recognized species of Heterodon: Eastern hognose (Heterodon platirhinos), Western hognose (Heterodon nasicus), and Southern hognose (Heterodon simus).

North American hognose snakes have various common names like “puff adders” (not to be confused with African vipers), “spreadheads,” “hissing adders,” “sand adders,” “spreading vipers,” “blowing vipers,” and “blow snakes”. These names reference their extensive defensive behaviors. When threatened, they may expand their ribs like a cobra and hiss. They are most famous for playing dead.

Hognose snakes are characterized by short faces with upturned snouts for digging in sandy soil and unearthing buried toads. They have keeled, matte scales and round pupils, indicating they are diurnal but most active in the morning and late afternoon. Depending on gender and species, they can be 14”-46” long, with females larger than males. They live 10-15 years in captivity, with at least one known 18-year-old.

Like other snakes, hognoses are carnivores. More than 90% of their diet comes from eating animals. They are considered toad specialists but also eat various amphibians, reptiles, and occasionally small mammals. They are not constrictors and rely on venom. Hognoses are technically “rear-fanged venomous” with fangs at the back of the upper jaw. Venom delivery is via grooved fangs connected to Duvernoy’s glands, requiring chewing for full envenomation.

Venom is not present in hognose saliva. Fortunately, hognose venom is specialized for amphibians and relatively harmless to humans, not requiring medical attention. More information on hognose venom and its effects can be found in Hognose Handling Tips.

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, H. platirhinos and H. nasicus are categorized as species of Least Concern, while H. simus is labeled as Vulnerable.

Often, North American hognoses are mistaken for copperheads or rattlesnakes and killed by humans.

Fun Facts: Contrary to popular belief, hognose snakes’ rear fangs are not used to puncture inflated toads for easier swallowing. This is contradicted by venomologist Dr. Bryan Fry, who asserts that the fangs are only used for venom delivery.

Hognose snakes are immune to toad toxin. They possess enlarged adrenal glands that produce extra adrenalin to counteract the effects of the digitaloid toxin produced by toads. Normally, this toxin slows a predator’s heart until it eventually stops, but hognoses are unaffected. (Reference: “Adrenal Enlargement and Its Significance in the Hognose Snakes (Heterodon)” by Hobart M. Smith and Fred N. White)

Hognose snakes are illegal to keep in some parts of the US. Consult your state and local laws for potential bans.

H. nasicus. Photo contributed by Guo Jiaqi.

Hognose Snake Care Guide — Table of Contents

Introduction to North American Hognose Snakes

Shopping List: Everything You Need for a Pet Hognose Snake

Species of the Heterodon Genus

Terrarium Size Guidelines

Temperature & Humidity Requirements

Substrate Options for Hognose Snakes

Environmental Enrichment: Decorating the Terrarium

Feeding Your Hognose Snake

Handling Tips & Body Language Info

Common Diseases & Hognose Health Questions

Additional Resources

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