The hognose snake, belonging primarily to the North American genus Heterodon, is a reptile known for its distinctive appearance and dramatic behavior. Its most recognizable feature is the upturned, pointed snout, which gives the snake its common name and is used for burrowing in sandy soil. These snakes have earned a reputation as the “drama queens” of the snake world. When threatened, they will flatten their necks like a cobra, hiss loudly, and play dead by rolling onto their backs. Many people wonder if this common snake possesses teeth and is capable of delivering venom. The answer to both is yes, but the specialized dental structure and mild saliva mean they pose virtually no threat to humans.
Anatomy of Hognose Teeth
The dental anatomy of the hognose snake is highly specialized for its diet, which consists largely of toads and frogs. Like all snakes, they have rows of smaller, backward-curving teeth throughout their mouth. However, the hognose possesses a unique pair of enlarged teeth at the very back of its upper jaw. These structures are often described as rear fangs, meaning the snake is technically classified as opisthoglyphous. These large teeth are grooved or solid, not hollow tubes like those seen in true vipers, and they point toward the rear of the mouth. The positioning of these teeth requires the snake to “chew” its prey to deliver the toxic saliva, which is an inefficient delivery mechanism compared to front-fanged snakes. For the Eastern hognose species, these rear teeth also puncture and deflate a toad that has puffed up its body, making it easier to swallow whole.
Understanding Their Toxic Saliva
Hognose snakes produce a specialized saliva from the Duvernoy’s gland, a modified salivary gland located in the temporal region of the head. This saliva contains mild toxins, which technically makes the snake venomous, but the potency is extremely low and specialized. The toxins are highly effective against their primary prey, amphibians, helping to subdue them before consumption. The delivery of this toxic saliva is slow and requires the snake to maintain a sustained grip on the target, working the rear fangs into the wound. The saliva flows down the grooves of the rear teeth and into the puncture site, unlike the rapid injection systems of medically significant venomous snakes. For humans, this mild toxicity is medically insignificant, as the snake lacks the effective mechanism to inject a sufficient amount of the substance to cause serious harm.
Symptoms of a Hognose Bite
A bite from a hognose snake is a rare event, as the species prefers to bluff or play dead rather than bite in defense. When a bite does occur, it is usually a result of the snake mistaking a human’s hand for prey, often due to the scent of food. The symptoms are typically localized and mild, resembling a bee or wasp sting. A person may experience minor localized pain, mild swelling, and redness at the bite site, which usually resolves without medical intervention. In some documented cases, where the snake has “chewed” for a prolonged period, symptoms can be more pronounced, including bruising and significant swelling. Systemic symptoms like nausea or dizziness are virtually nonexistent, though localized allergic reactions to the saliva’s proteins are possible for sensitive individuals. Basic first aid involves cleaning the wound thoroughly with soap and water and monitoring the area for any signs of infection.