snakes are cool

The western hognose snake, or plains hognose snake, is a small colubrid native to western north America with an average size of 14-28 inches, though some can exceed 36 inches, but this is rare. They are venomous, though not dangerous to humans. They primarily prey on amphibians, though they will eat other prey too. (Though they are notoriously picky eaters). They get their name from an upturned scale on the tip of their head that helps with digging. Their average lifespan is 9-19 years in the wild and 15-20 years in captivity.

Western hognose snakes are also becoming increasingly popular as pets. There are a TON of hognose morphs. some of my favorites are axanthic, a recessive gene, sunburst, a combination of sable and albino, and stormcloud, a combination of sable and axanthic. (more on snake genetics coming soon)

axanthic

sunburst

stormcloud