Western Hognose Snake {Heterodon nasicus) 



Description: The Western Hognose Snake is a mid-sized, heavy-bodied snake reaching 32". The 

 dorsal ground color is yellowish- to grayish-brown, with 3 rows of darker brown to black 

 blotches run down the back. The belly is dark gray to black, sometimes checkered. Its nose 

 has a keel on the top and is upturned. 



Eggs and Young: Eggs are white and elliptical, with thin, papery shells; length averages 32.5 

 mm (26-38 mm) and width 18 mm (14-23 mm). Young are 139-197 mm at hatching and are 

 similar in color and pattern to adults (Piatt 1969). 



Similar Species: No other Montana snake has a keeled nose. Coloration is similar to both the 

 Gopher Snake. Western Rattlesnake and juvenile Racer. 



Habits and Habitat: The Western Hognose Snake is found on the plains of eastern Montana. It 

 seems to prefer arid areas, farmlands and flood plains, and particularly areas of gravelly or 

 sandy, loose soil. The keeled, or shovel-like, nose is thought to help it to dig down to its 

 food, which it finds by smell. Apparently toads are its preferred food, though frogs, insects, 

 and other small animals are also eaten (Piatt 1969). It is active primarily during the daylight 

 hours. Little is known of reproduction in Montana. In Kansas, Western Hognose Snakes 

 typically lay clutches of 7-15 eggs (Piatt 1969). It is likely that a female will only breed every 

 other year in Montana. 



The Hognose is famous for its behavior in the face of a threat. At first it will puff up its 

 neck, as does a cobra, and hiss and strike at its enemy. However, this is all a bluff and very 

 rarely will it actually bite. If this threatening strategy does not work, it will pretend to die. It 

 appears to go into convulsions, writhing on the ground, sticking its mouth in the dirt, and 

 eventually rolling on its back and going into a trance that makes it appear to be dead. If 

 turned right-side-up, it will roll back over and continue its deception. If left alone for a few 

 minutes, it will right itself and continue on its way. The initial aggressive display and basic 

 rattlesnake-like coloration cause many to be killed needlessly by people who mistakenly 

 believe it to be venomous. 



Status: They were not found during this survey, nor are there historic records of their presence in 

 the study area. However, they may occur on the study area at low to mid-elevations, 

 particularly in sandy or loose soil areas. The nearest location to the study area is fi-om central 

 Teton County about 30 miles east. They should be watched for on the study area; any 

 sightings should be documented. We have relatively few reports of the Western Hognose 

 Snake from Montana. It is collected for the pet trade, and populations may be vulnerable to 

 commercial collectors. Additionally, since toads are its preferred food, any decline in toad 

 populations would be expected to negatively impact Western Hognose Snakes. It apparently 

 was originally much more common. Cope (1 879) lists the most commonly encountered 

 reptiles in order of abundance as: rattlesnake, homed lizard, and hognose snake! He goes on 

 to say that these species immediately appeared upon "leaving the moimtains." Of particular 

 interest would be documentation of any denning sites located. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S3? Species of Special Concern. 



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