EASTERN HOGNOSE SNAKE

 

 

Eastern Hognose snake, coiled

Figure compliments of Joseph T. Collins

 

Figure of eastern hognose snout and area where eastern hognose snake is found in South Dakota

Characteristics:

  • Snout only slightly upturned with paired dark neck-spots
  • Dark blotches along center with alternating spots on sides of body
  • Highly variable in color
  • Mottled gray belly and the underside of tail much lighter colored than belly
  • Keeled scales
  • Nonvenomous (mildly venomous to its prey)
  • Diet: frogs, toads, and salamanders
  • Habitat: sandy areas in open prairies and
    woodlands
  • Distribution: extreme southeastern South Dakota