When someone asks us what we recommend as a good beginner snake, the Western Hognose snake is always at the top of our list. The adults of this species rarely attain lengths over 2 feet and therefore do not require a large enclosure. They are a hardy species and have minimal care requirements. They also do not seem skittish as some of the kingsnake and milksnake species and so they are easier to handle. People who own Western Hognose Snakes also have the added benefit of the occasional “show” they put on when they feel threatened. These snakes are masters of bluffing. If they feel threatened, they will puff up their necks, and raise their heads high off the ground in order to appear larger. They will also hiss loudly and strike at their adversary, however, they strike with their mouths closed. If all of this fails they will flip over and play dead as demonstrated by the snake to the right. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending how you look at it, as they grow older and are handled more often, they tend to lose some of this behavior.
