Western Hognose Snake

Heterodon nasicus

The drama queen of snakes — hoods up, huffs loudly, then plays dead. All bluff, barely ever bites, with an adorably upturned nose.

2–3 ft15–18 years

Habitat

Enclosure

20–30 gal with deep aspen bedding

Temperature

Hot side 88–90°F · cool side 75–78°F

Humidity / Water

30–50%

Heating & lighting

Under-tank heat mat on a thermostat covering a third of the floor. Give 3–4 in of aspen — they burrow and snooze under it all day.

Diet

Feed these

Frozen-thawed mice, sized to the body width

Never feed

Live prey
Wild toads (parasites — their natural wild food)
Handling for 48 hours after feeding

Some are picky hatchlings — scenting a pinkie with tuna can start them feeding. Rear-fanged and mildly venomous; a rare bite is a bee-sting reaction, not a danger.

Cohabitation

Can live with

No one — house this species alone.

Never house with

Other hognose snakes Any other species

Solitary like all snakes. Their theatrical bluff display is normal — settle them in and they calm down fast.