Hognose - Venomous or Not?

I've heard conflicting information about western hognose. I've heard they are rear fanged and venomous, but because their fangs are in the back of their mouth it is incredibly hard for them to bite you. Even if they did bite you, the venom is considered mild and only really affects those who have an allergy to it.

On the other hand, I was at a reptile show back in May and I was speaking with someone who breeds them. He stated it was more their saliva that people tend to have a reaction to and that they are actually not venomous.

So, what's the truth with these guys?

Your first statement is correct.

See this: http://www.herpnet.net/bite/

Hog-nosed snakes are slightly venomous. Like many colubirds, (especially non-constrictors) hognose snakes have Duvernoy glands. Duvernoy glands are similar to venom glands and are divided into three different types:

Type I - Produces a combination of mucous and proteins. (least dangerous)
Type II - Produces only proteins.
Type III - Produces only proteins and has an enlarged storage capacity. (most dangerous)

Hog-nosed snakes also have heterodont dentition (teeth of different sizes) with enlarged rearward-placed teeth and type I Duvernoy glands.

In most cases bites from our native hog-nosed snakes are a non-issue. In some cases people show a slight reaction to the bite. In rare cases, people that are hypersensitive to the mucous and or protein experience itching, swelling and possibly more severe symptoms.

While hog-hosed snake are technically slightly venomous, I try not to use that term as it gives people yet another excuse to kill a harmless snake.

jw wrote:

While hog-hosed snake are technically slightly venomous, I try not to use that term as it gives people yet another excuse to kill a harmless snake.

Excellent explanation....and I agree, using the term venomous for hognose snakes lends people to believe they are dangerous and they are not.

yep to both of you guys. when someone hears that particular word in a sentence that seems to be all they hear... then they dont think twice about harming them

Thanks everyone! I really want to work with hognose soon so I just wanted to clear that up before I jump in and get one.

ClarkeReptiles wrote:

Thanks everyone! I really want to work with hognose soon so I just wanted to clear that up before I jump in and get one.

I think you'll be fine. They are great snakes to work with.

Agree with all of the above! Look at it this way. Virginia's reptile expos are "Non-Venomous Only" shows... and I've NEVER been to a show in Virginia and NOT seen a decent number of Hognose snakes available there! :-D

My dad knew a guy who kept a lot of them and he never mentioned them being venomous. The ones he had were very calm with great temperament.

I was looking into getting a hognose and had no idea. I figured it was something to do with their saliva. I guess you learn something every day.

I just got my first one about a month back and is already one of my favorite snaks. My 7 yr old handles him all the time with no issues.

I think they will be my first Snake breeding project. Anyone have any advice on that???

Thanks

Yes, for a breeding project you'll need at least one male and one female.

Very good advice JW. It sounds like I'm 1/2 way there.

jw wrote:

Yes, for a breeding project you'll need at least one male and one female.

Best advice I've ever read.

Also, honestly a hog nose bite is no worse then any other puncture wound or even a lot of larger lizard bites. I personally have to treat everything as if it was venomous due to no immune system and being allergic to everything but most people have no problems at all.

I love Hoggies, and I think if I ever started keeping non-boids again, it'd be in Hogs or Bulls. Or some of the big Rat snake species. I love how much personality those little guys have!

Do hog noses have liver problems when it comes to feeding just small mammals? I've read where that will shorten their life span.

Regardless, They make good pets.