The eastern hognose snake feeds extensively on amphibians, and has a particular fondness for toads. This snake has resistance to the toxins toads secrete. This immunity is thought to come from enlarged adrenal glands which secrete large amounts of hormones to counteract the toads' powerful skin poisons .

East­ern hog­nose snakes, Het­eron­don platirhi­nos, are na­tive to the Nearc­tic re­gion (North Amer­ica). Their range ex­tends along the east coast and into the cen­tral United States. In total, they are found in about thirty states in the United States and are also found in south­ern On­tario.

May 18, 2021 · The preferred prey for western hognose snakes is toads. They’ll also eat frogs, salamanders, small lizards, terrestrial bird eggs, and small mammals. Western hognose snakes have several unique adaptations for their toad-based diet. They use their upturned snout to dig around for buried amphibians.

Eastern hognose snakes have keeled scales and can be distinguished from southern hognose snakes by the underside of the tail, which is lighter than the belly. Feeding/Diet: The hognose snake uses its upturned nose to dig for toads, a favorite food.

Basic facts about Eastern Hognose Snake: lifespan, distribution and habitat map, lifestyle and social behavior, mating habits, diet and nutrition, population size and status.

Description: Sometimes called “puff adders,” eastern hognose snakes are thick-bodied snakes that reach about 46 in (115 cm) long. These snakes are easily distinguished by their upturned snouts, but they are variable in color.

The eastern hognose snake's favorite prey is toads, but it also preys on frogs, salamanders, small mammals, birds, and invertebrates. The eastern hognose snake uses its nose to root around for toads in their burrows.

By puncturing the inflated toad, a hognose can finish its meal with relative ease. This year, Zoo New England has been involved in an exciting effort to document and protect an unusual population of this rare snake in central Massachusetts.