Alberta Herps
Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus nasicus)

• scattered populations in the short-grass paririe region in the southeastern corner of the province.

Brief Description

• small- to medium-sized snake; rostral scale dorsally keeled and with sharp upward turn; females larger than males.

Habitat

• sandy soils in semi-arid areas; overwintering underground.

Feeding

• predatory; small vertebrates - primarily short-horned lizard and frogs and toads; also invertebrates; exceptionally large adrenal gland possibly associated with detoxification of bufotoxin.

Reproduction

• mating in spring; oviparous; 4-23 eggs laid by females under loose sandy soil; incubation period about 60 days.

Status in Alberta

• BLUE LIST

• extremely rare; only in short-grass prairie regions; <100 records from the province; further studies required to determine population status and trends

Other Internet Resources

• Heterodon nasicus : Reptiles and Amphibians of North Dakota, Northern Prairie Science Center, Jamestown, ND, USA

• Heterodon nasicus: Illinois Amphibian & Reptile Distributions

• Some Information about the western hognose snake

References

• Anonymous. 1996. The status of Alberta wildlife. Wildlife Management Division Report. Alberta Environmental Protection, Govertment of Alberta.

• Russell, A. P., and A. M. Bauer. in press. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta: A Field Guide and Primer of Boreal Herpetology. University of Calgary Press. 2nd Edition.