Western Hog Nose Snake

Blog #14 (Western Hog Nose)

1. Western Hog Nose Snake Care Sheet

2. Reptiles Magazine Online, May 2014

3. I chose this article because these snakes are a lot different than your normal snake such as a milk or corn. They have a thicker body style and are very cool looking. 

4. I liked how the article described the snake. They said it was very stout, is covered in keel scales and possess a up turned sharp snout. The snake actually uses this unique snake to burrow and dig, which I did not know. Hog Nose's come in many colors like tan, olive, gray or brown with black keel scales.

5. I learned that Hog Nose's are actually well known best for their wide array of harmless defense techniques. Some of these include loud hissing, flatten itself, creating a hood to look bigger and bluffing. Bluffing is famous from the cobra and is impressive in mature animals. Another feature about the Hog Nose is that when it strikes a predator, it does not bite, but hit the animal with its snout. They also love to play dead and musk. Overall, this snake has many techniques of defense and displays them well.

6. Are Hog Noses related to Rattle Snakes through looks and keel scales?

7a. No, I don't think I would purchase a hog nose just because they seem more of a wild snake to me and are too gorgeous to be taken out of their natural habitat. 

b. Marked Prices vary from $150-$2000!

c. You can purchase them at Geckos Etc. for many varied prices http://www.geckosetc.com/ and backwater for cheaper prices around 100. http://www.backwaterreptiles.com/

d. There are many morphs including albino which turns out as a reddish color. 

f. ----> 

g. The eastern hognose is endangered. 

h. No permit-

i. No controversy either-

8. Hognoses don't require a giant cage and can be kept in a shoe box size space or a terrarium. They don't need a whole lot of sunlight, but can be picky eaters and need to have clean water. They eat small mice like all other reptiles-

9. I would consider this snake beginner considering they don't bite and are pretty docile animals. Very cool looking too :)

10. The most interesting thing about the Hog Nose is there defense techniques and keel scales. They play dead and can hood!