ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

eastern hog0nosed snake 
A master of deceit, the completely harmless hognose can put on an act that will frighten the bravest of people. When first alarmed, this bluffer coils, flattens its head and neck to form a cobra-like hood, inflates its body, hisses fiercely, and strikes violently. The strike--usually made with the mouth closed--almost always falls short of the target. This act is so convincing that it often leads to the snake's being killed by its would-be victim. These antics have earned the hognose such names as puff adder, blow snake, and hissing viper.

Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Heterodon platyrhino

At-a-Glance

• Length: 18-30 inches

• Number of offspring : 4-61

• Gestation period: 39-65 days
Description
The coloration of this essentially spotted snake is extremely variable, with color phases ranging from yellow and brown to black and gray. The most reliable field mark is the turned-up, hoglike snout, which is used for digging out the toads that are its primary food.

Habitat and Habits
The Eastern hognose ranges over all of Ohio except the northeastern corner. Dry, sandy areas are preferred, especially the Oak Openings area of northwestern Ohio, where this generally uncommon snake is most abundant. In southern Ohio it occurs in most of the hill counties.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
This snake mates in the spring and fall, and lays its eggs in June or July. The eggs are usually laid in a shallow cavity in loose or sandy soil. There is no parental care involved.