1. Western Hognose (Heterodon nasicus)

Most common pet species

• Temperament: Generally calm, easy to handle, and great for beginners

• Colors/Morphs: Wild type is sandy/tan with dark blotches — but captive-bred morphs include albino, anaconda, snow, axanthic, and more

Fun Fact: They’re famous for “faking their death” when threatened. Total drama kings and queens

• Native Range: Central U.S., southern Canada, northern Mexico

• Size: 14–36 inches

Check out Western Hognose Morphs here.

2. Eastern Hognose (Heterodon platirhinos)

More for observation than handling

• Temperament: Wild-caught Easterns tend to be defensive; not commonly kept as pets

• Diet: Specializes in toads — tough to switch to rodents

• Defense Tactics: Hood flaring (like a cobra), hissing, false striking, then dramatic fainting

• Fun Fact: They’re immune to the toxins in toads, which would knock out most predators.

• Native Range: Eastern U.S. (from New England to Florida and west to the Great Plains)

• Size: 20–46 inches — the biggest of the North American species

3. Southern Hognose (Heterodon simus)

🦎 The rare & protected one

• Status: Protected/threatened in many states — not legal to keep as a pet in most areas

• Diet: Primarily amphibians

Fun Fact: Their population has declined due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Awareness matters.

• Native Range: Southeastern U.S. (mostly coastal plains)

• Size: 12–24 inches — the smallest of the North American Hognoses

4. Mexican Hognose (Heterodon kennerlyi)

🌵 Southwestern specialty

• Temperament: Similar to Western Hognose but less commonly bred

• Care Level: Moderate — less data available than Westerns

• Fun Fact: Often confused with Western Hognoses, but they’ve got a more defined snout curve and slightly different patterning.

• Native Range: Southern Texas and northern Mexico

• Size: 15–24 inches

Reminder for Pet Owners

• Not all Hognose species make good pets — Western Hognoses are the best bet due to their manageable size, diet, and temperament.

• Never take a wild Hognose home — many are protected, and wild-caught snakes don’t adjust well to captivity.

• All Hognoses are mildly venomous, but their venom is harmless to humans. Their rear fangs are meant for subduing prey like frogs and toads.

  Learn & Respect

  Hognose snakes are quirky, misunderstood, and incredibly important to their ecosystems. Whether you’re keeping one as a pet or observing them in the wild, education = better care and stronger conservation.