Western Hognose Snake

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

The death scene is normal

Western hognose snakes, Heterodon nasicus, are the hognoses in pet shops: 1.5 to 3 feet, shovel nose, and a habit of performing. Lifespan is about 15 to 20 years. They hiss, flatten, strike with the mouth closed, musk, and then flop over as if dead. That sequence is the animal, not a sickness. Care is beginner, which fits a captive-bred snake that eats thawed mice. It does not fit a wild eastern hognose, and it does not mean the venom is imaginary.

They are rear-fanged. Most bites that happen while a snake is hanging onto a hand cause local swelling. People with a bad reaction still need a clinic. Wash the bite. Do not cut it or suck it. These are not free-handle snakes for a birthday party.

Dry dirt, not a swamp

Give several inches of substrate they can burrow in, a warm side in the mid to high 80s, and a cool side in the 70s. Humidity of 30 to 50 percent is the target. A constantly wet tank rots the belly. A water bowl big enough to soak in, and aspen or a soil mix that stays dry on top, is the usual setup. Twenty gallons is a start for an adult and tight for a large female. House them alone.

Mice are the diet. Some neonates refuse until the mouse smells like amphibian. Scent and patience beat live toads, which carry parasites. Setup often runs $200 to $800 and the snake $30 to $500 depending on morph. A snake off food through a warm month is the not-eating page. ARAV lists clinics. The checker sorts urgency.

Western hognose questions

Are western hognose snakes venomous?

They are rear-fanged. The venom is mild for people and is used on toads. A chew can still swell, itch, or blister. Do not let children handle a snake that is known to hang on.

Why does my hognose play dead?

Bluffing is the species. A flat neck, a hiss, a fake strike with a closed mouth, then a roll onto the back with the tongue out. It is theater. Picking the snake up during the show teaches nothing useful.

What if a hognose will not eat mice?

Some babies want the smell of frog or toad on the mouse. Scenting is a bridge, not a forever diet of amphibians. A snake that skips many meals in the warm season still needs a weight check.