Natural History
​LIFE
Western Hognose Snakes hibernate in mammal or other burrows from September/October to March/April. Breeding season occurs in both the spring and the fall, and clutch size ranges from 2 to 30+ eggs laid. Juvenile and mature Western Hognose snake coloration is typically sandy brown with dark brown blotches down the back and jet-black bellies with yellow squares sporadically. Their scales are keeled, giving them a rough, bumpy appearance. Their snouts are upturned and pointed.

One of the most interesting things about Western Hognose Snakes are their extravagant methods of protection. If confronted, the snake will puff out their neck and body to appear cobra-like, hiss loudly, and strike with a closed mouth. If the threat persists, they will play dead by rolling onto their backs with their mouths wide open. They might also bleed from their mouth and cloaca and/or regurgitate recently ingested food. It will continue to play dead until the threat is no longer present.

HABITAT AND RANGE
Western Hognose Snakes strongly prefer inhabiting sandy and/or gravelly areas. Ideal habitats for them include sand prairies, open portions of prairies, and/or open sand dunes with minimal vegetative cover. Because of their strong habitat preference and a lack of sand prairies, they have a very spotty distribution in Iowa. 

DIET
These predators eat any smaller animal they find, including (but not limited to) frogs, toads, lizards, small snakes, reptile and bird eggs, rodents, etc. Younger snakes may even feed on insects. They do not constrict their prey - instead, they swallow it whole. There is debate as to whether or not this species is venomous, but even so they are widely considered harmless to humans.
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CONSERVATION STATUS
​Western Hognose Snakes are listed as ENDANGERED and Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Iowa due to both the disappearance and fragmentation of natural habitat. This means that it is illegal to kill or collect this species by law in Iowa.  Please report any sightings of this snake to the DNR.

SOURCE: LeClere, J. (2025). Plains Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus). Retrieved January 14, 2025, from www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetolofy/reptiles/snakes/plains-hognose-snake-heterdon-nasicus/

Bert's Story
Our Western Hognose Snake, Bert, was rehomed by the Grout Museum in 2021 and has lived at Hartman Reserve ever since. His interesting life history, docile behavior,
​and unique features has cemented him as a family favorite at the nature center! Bert helps us educate the public on the importance of habitat preservation.