Non-venomous
Where are they from?
Eastern hognose snakes are found along the east coast of the United States, as well as in the midwest. These snakes are found all over Kentucky. There are also other species of hognose snakes with different habitat ranges.
What do they eat?
They like to eat amphibians the most, specifically toads, but will also eat other things like small mammals and eggs.
How do they act?
When they feel threatened, the eastern hognose snake will mimic the movements of a cobra and arch itself. To trick prey, the snake will “play dead” and strike when the prey gets close. They like to bury under sediment, specifically sand, and their upturned nose allows them to breathe while still remaining covered.
Are they endangered?
Eastern hognose snakes are listed as “Least Concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Reptile Report
When females lay eggs, they lay 15-25 at a time!
The name “hognose” makes sense when you look at this snake!
Sources:
http://kysnakes.ca.uky.edu/snake/heterodon-platirhinos
http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/hetpla.htm