The Nature of Hognose Venom
Hognose snakes possess venom, though it is mild and not medically significant to humans. This venom differs significantly from that of highly dangerous snakes, which often contain potent neurotoxins or hemotoxins. Venom is a natural biological characteristic, primarily utilized for subduing prey.
Hognose snakes are classified as “rear-fanged” snakes, meaning their fangs are located at the back of their upper jaw. For venom delivery, the snake needs to chew on its prey, allowing venom to flow along grooves in these rear fangs. Their venom is primarily composed of enzymes that help in the digestion of their amphibian prey, such as toads. These enzymes facilitate the breakdown of tissues.
What Happens If Bitten
A hognose snake bite typically results in localized, mild symptoms. Common reactions include minor swelling, redness, and itching. Some may also experience slight pain or a tingling sensation, similar to a bee sting. These symptoms usually resolve within a few hours to a day.
While severe reactions are rare, they are possible, particularly for individuals with allergies. In such cases, symptoms might be more pronounced, involving greater swelling or discomfort. If bitten, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection. Monitoring the bite site for unusual or worsening symptoms is recommended. Seek medical attention if concerns arise or symptoms persist or intensify.
Hognose Defensive Displays
Hognose snakes are known for their defensive displays, which they employ to deter threats before resorting to a bite. When threatened, a hognose snake often flattens its head and neck, spreading its ribs to create a wide, cobra-like hood. This bluff is accompanied by loud hissing, aiming to appear larger and more intimidating to a predator. The snake may also perform open-mouthed strikes, but these are almost always bluffs where the mouth remains closed or they deliberately miss their target.
If these bluffing tactics fail, a hognose snake might resort to playing dead. The snake rolls onto its back, lies motionless, and often opens its mouth, sometimes emitting a foul-smelling musk or defecating to appear unappetizing. This behavior, known as thanatosis, is a last-ditch effort to convince a threat it is no longer a viable meal. A bite from a hognose snake is rare and usually only occurs as a final defensive measure if the snake feels cornered and its other displays have been ignored.