Eastern hog-nosed snake (Photo by Ken Towle)

Eastern hog-nosed snake

Canada's Species at Risk Act lists the eastern hog-nosed snake as threatened.

Where does it live?

(Click on the image to enlarge)

This snake prefers sandy soils and rocky areas with scattered trees. In Ontario, its range extends from the northern coast of Lake Erie to eastern Georgian Bay and the southern boundary of the Canadian Shield.

In late October, the eastern hog-nosed snake begins hibernation by settling alone in logs or digging deep burrows in sandy soils below the frost line. It re-emerges in early April, when it begins spring mating.

Is it venomous?

The eastern hog-nosed snake may look threatening, but it's actually quite harmless. It uses a number of defense mechanisms to protect itself from predators as well as humans. If threatened, the snake will flatten and spread its head, puffing up its body to resemble a cobra (even hissing and making mock strikes).

The eastern-hognose snake will secrete a mild venom in its mouth. This venom may possibly assist in swallowing and digesting prey such as toads. These secretions poses negligible risk to humans.

Playing dead

If its aggressive behaviour fails to ward off a potential threat, the snake will play dead, writhing about and finally rolling over on its back with its tongue out.

What is this species' conservation status?

Eastern hog-nosed snake populations in southern Ontario are being threatened by the loss of sandy woodlands and oak savannahs where they typically live.

What is NCC doing to protect habitat for this species?

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is working to conserve important habitat for eastern hog-nosed snakes, from the oak savannah and woodlands of the Port Franks Forested Dunes, Norfolk Forests and Rice Lake Plains, to the acidic rock barrens along Eastern Georgian Bay.

NCC's Ontario Region has also started a school education program that features the eastern hog-nosed snake.

By protecting valuable habitat, educating the public and working with the Species at Risk Recovery Team, NCC will raise the eastern hog-nosed snake's profile and help protect this threatened species.