Eastern Hognose Snake
Scientific name:
The scientific name for the Eastern Hognose Snake is Heterodon platyrhinos
Where they're located in New Jersey:
Eastern Hognose Snakes can be found throughout the state
Venomous:
Yes, Eastern Hognose Snakes are slightly venomous
Placement on Endangerment Scale:
Least Concern (LC)
Temperament:
When approached by humans or any larger animal they will flatten their head and neck and hiss loudly to pretend to be a cobra. If the larger animal doesn’t leave it will pretend to be dead and spray musk. Not very aggressive.
Physical characteristics:
Most adult Eastern Hognose Snakes are about 20-33 inches long with the highest recorded length being 49.9 inches. They have strong upturned snouts that they use to dig through the ground like a spade to find small frogs and toads. They have keeled scales and are most often black or brown with white spots. They have round pupils and short tails.
Live or egg birth:
Eastern Hognose Snakes have egg births
Preferred habitat:
Scrubs, high pine, oak woodlands, hardwood hammocks, meadows and cultivated fields. They can also be found in suburban neighborhoods.