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Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

Heterodon platirhinos

COSEWIC Status: Threatened

COSSARO Status: Threatened

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

The committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada is a committee of experts who determine the national status of native species thought to be at risk of disappearing from Canada. Members include academics, specialists, Aboriginal people or government, & biologists.

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Species at Risk Status

Threatened

This species is likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed.

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Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario

The committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario reviews the COSEWIC status reports for species that occur in Ontario, then makes recommendations on the appropriate provincial status of the species. Provincial status is identified on the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List.

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Species at Risk Status

Threatened

This species is likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed.

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C. Sissions

Have you seen this species at risk? Report your sighting.

Food

• Feed almost solely on toads. Their “hog nose” helps them dig for toads.
• Other food may include amphibians, small mammals, birds, and insects.

Habits and Reproduction

• Will burrow underground in loose soil when not feeding throughout the day.
• When harassed or afraid the hog-nosed snake will raise the front of its body off of the ground and spread its neck, similar to a cobra. It will hiss and strike out harmlessly at its opponent. If the harassment continues the hog-nosed snake may show signs of distress, produce musk, turn over on its back and play “dead”. It will remain in this position until the potential predator retreats.
• Mating in April or May and maybe September, approximately 20 eggs are laid in June or July in a shallow burrow in the sand and hatch in late August or September.
• Young have dark blotches on their backs and light grey or brown spots on their sides. Their belly is dark, but the throat and underside of the tail are light coloured.
• Grow quickly until their second or third year when they reach maturity.

Habitat

• Almost any terrestrial habitat type. Seem to prefer sandy, well-drained soils.

Threats

• Habitat loss, road mortality and direct persecution are the greatest threats to this snake.

Conservation Actions

• With its fake “cobra like” behaviour, the hog-nosed snake is mistakenly believed to be harmful. Help inform others of the behaviour of this snake and share the message to leave the snake alone.
• Please report sightings of this snake!