Behavior The western hognose snake is primarily
diurnal. It is typically a docile snake (though known to be highly defensive in some individuals). If threatened (or perceiving a threat), it may flatten its neck (much like a cobra), hiss, and make 'mock' or 'bluff' strikes if harassed, which are strikes made at an intruder but with the snakes' mouth closed. Subsequently, even when further harassed, western hognose snakes virtually never bite as a self defense mechanism, but will instead usually resort to playing dead. Although it is more common that it will flatten its head, some individuals may puff up, filling the throat with air. This is more common with adolescent males.
Diet In the wild, the western hognose snake feeds predominately on
amphibians, such as large and medium-sized
tree frogs, as well as small or medium-sized
toads and small lizards. There have been accounts of
Heterodon nasicus eating the occasional rodent in the wild as well. Not being a true constrictor,
Heterodon bites and chews, driving the rear fangs into the prey as a way of introducing the saliva to help break down the toxins from toads. There have been many cases of hognose snakes in captivity that will not eat for about two to three-and-a-half months, from the months January to mid March. This is because hognose snakes' instinct is to
brumate underground during the winter months.
Reproduction Adult western hognose snakes have been observed in copulation as early as February and March. The species is
oviparous, with females laying 4–23 elongate, thin-shelled
eggs in June–August. The eggs take approximately 60 days to hatch. Each hatchling is in total length, and reaches sexual maturity after approximately two years (this is predominantly based on size, not so much age). ==Subspecies==