Western Plains Hognose Snake
by Karen Slagle
Title
Western Plains Hognose Snake
Artist
Karen Slagle
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
This image was taken in the Texas panhandle. We found this hognose snake in the street near our home and stopped to move it out of the street where it was laying for warmth. Many people run over snakes and kill them before they see what kind it is. These are quite fun to play with as they play dead and roll over on their back with the tongue hanging out.
Western Hognose snakes are relatively small, stout-bodied snakes found throughout the Great Plains states of the U.S. from Canada to Mexico. Their color and pattern is highly variable from subspecies to subspecies, although most specimens appear much like the infamous rattlesnake to the untrained eye. This optical bluff, used in conjunction with a wide array of other clever defense tactics, makes these snakes quite unique among North American serpents.
Although there is still debate whether Heterodon is mildly venomous or nonvenemous with toxic saliva, it is generally agreed that the species is indeed venomous. Regardless, the extremely rare bite from this rear-fanged snake is of no medical importance to humans. Symptoms range from negligible to localized slight swelling and itching. As with any animal though, care must be taken not to receive a bite as allergic reactions and infection are always a slight possibility.
Males are considerably smaller than females, with adult lengths rarely exceeding 15-20 inches.
These snakes get their common name from the modified rostral (nose) scales that are formed in an upturned manner, providing a very "hog-like" look. Additionally, this adaptation makes these snakes adept burrowers, which is a useful skill when hunting or seeking refuge from the elements.
Interaction with humans.
Even though this snake does not cause harm to humans, people are the snake's biggest threat. People often mistake the hognose for a rattlesnake, killing it to protect themselves. Educating people that the hognose snake is harmless will increase the survival of the species. The Eastern Hognose (H. platirhino) snake is classified as a threatened species in some regions of its range and is therefore protected under those state's laws. Because the eastern and western species of hognose snakes are so similar in appearance, it would be wise to leave all hognose individuals alone in the wild.
Common names.
Blow snake, bluffer, (western) hognose snake, faux viper, prairie hognose snake, spoonbill snake, spreadhead snake, Texas hognose snake, Texas rooter.
Behavior.
The western hognose snake is primarily diurnal. It is typically a docile snake (though known to be highly aggressive in some individuals). If threatened (or perceiving a threat), it may flatten its neck (much like a cobra), hiss, and make mock strikes if harassed. Occasionally, if stressed enough, it even plays dead. Although it is more common that they will flatten their heads out, some individuals may puff up, filling their throats with air. This is more common with adolescent males.In some rare cases the snake will use its rear hinged fangs to inject a semi harmful venom the snake injects by chewing. most wet(venomous)bites will not do much more than swell but in extreme cases the victim will experience organ failures such as kidney or liver[citation needed].
Diet.
In the wild, they feed predominately on amphibians, such as large and medium-sized tree frogs, as well as small or medium-sized toads and small lizards. There have been accounts of H. nasicus eating the occasional rodent in the wild as well. Not being a true constrictor, Heterodon bites and chews, driving the rear fangs into the prey as a way of introducing the saliva/"venom" into the bloodstream in order to incapacitate its meal. There have been many cases of hognose snakes in captivity that will not eat for about two to about three/three-and-a-half months, from the months January to mid March. This is because hognose snakes' instinct is to hibernate underground during the winter months.
Reproduction.
Western hog-nosed snakes have been observed in copulation as early as February and March. They are oviparous, with females laying 4-23 elongate, thin-shelled eggs in June�August. The eggs take approximately 60 days to hatch. Hatchlings are 13-23 cm (5�9 inches) in total length and reach sexual maturity after approximately two years (this is predominantly based on size, not so much age).
Captivity.
This species is more commonly kept and bred in captivity than any other member of its genus and makes for a wonderful terrarium pet. It is small, hardy and docile by nature. Commercially available rodents are readily consumed and not much space or specialized care is required. It is also bred commercially with many color variations available.
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September 23rd, 2014
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Comments (21)
Bunny Clarke
I used to have two cats that would go out and tease these and bull snakes when they used to be able to go out in Colorado. I always got calls from neighbors fearing they had cornered a rattler. I can understand their concern, but I wish they checked further. What a great capture and composition.
Karen Slagle replied:
Thank you Bunny, the only snakes we kill are rattlers if they are in our yard.
Marvin Spates
Wow what a lovely snake!!! I am not the type to pick them up, but I will avoid running them over or killing them!! Nice photo Karen!!! L/F
Barry Jones
Great shot. I was reading somewhere that the hognose has fangs and venom, but the fangs are turned in such away they cannot inject with a strike. They inject after the prey is captured. Do not know if that is correct or not, but thought it was interesting... v/f
Karen Slagle replied:
I do believe you are correct, Barry. I read the same thing...Glad you like it.
Bob and Nadine Johnston
Congratulations Your work was chosen to be Featured in the All SouthWest Art and Artists out of 357+ images that have been submitted to the Group.