art by francisholic

the differences between the western hognose snakes and eastern hognose snakes


structure

western hognoses look much more cuter (in my opinion lols) with rounder eyes, a more curved nose, and looks a lot more chubby than an eastern hognose. an eastern has a more smoother nose that's pointed straight with a pointed nose facing forward Shovel Nose Hogs on YT the eastern adult is typically 20-30 inches long (1.667-2.5 feet) and westerns are around 36 inches (3 feet) max both snakes do in fact look like cobras when they are threatened/feel unhappy, however eastern hognoses look the most like a cobra with their neck actually flattening to that of what they are mimicking. westerns instead flatten their entire body, not just their neck


behavior

their personalities are different as well. easterns are much more defensive than their western versions, they can flatten out their bodies as a mechanism to scare off predators. westerns are more kept as pets due to their docile behavior easterns are more prone to striking, launching themselves to predators and nipping them. western hognoses do strike, just like any other snakes, but it is mostly when they are hatchlings. if you handle them a lot as they grow up, they will have the familiar gentle demeanors! (this does apply to any "friendly" snake as well)


diet

eastern hognoses are seen eating amphibians, primarily toads and/or frogs. this is not ideal for a pet/breeding reasons as frogs and toads are more difficult to buy western hognoses have a more broader selection of eating which can include mammals (rats or mice are more accessible in captivity), birds, eggs, or even smaller reptiles! this is a lot easier to accommodate to, especially if a hognose is a picky eater

favs . home . faqs

Edit

Pub: 12 May 2026 21:03 UTC

Edit: 29 May 2026 21:19 UTC

Views: 37

Auto Theme: Dark