Hognose Snakes in Southeast Michigan

Of all the snake species I've seen in Michigan, I would say the toughest to find is the Eastern Hognose Snake (excluding Kirtland's & Copperbelly Water Snakes). They are a supposedly a common snake species throughout the lower peninsula where sandy soils abound, particularly the northern & western portions. However, they are quite secretive and spend much of their time burrowing in these sandy substrates in search of cover and food. This makes them particularly difficult to find as they are not always active on the surface. Although they are more commonly found elsewhere in the state, there are some pockets of nice habitat in southeast Michigan. Last year, I had the privilege of exploring some really nice habitat on private property of some friends not too far from my place in southeast Michigan. I also got the chance to get out there a few days ago and was rewarded with this sight.

Eastern Hognose Snake - Heterodon platirhinos

A beautiful golden yellow adult, easily the nicest looking example of the species I've seen. Hogs are extremely variable in coloration, with some individuals even being completely gray or black with little to no patterning. This is only the sixth live specimen I've seen in my lifetime, and my first of the year. It was found in an open field with sparse cover and plenty of open sandy soil which is adjacent to a large tract of Oak-Pine forest.

The upturned rostral scale where this species gets its namesake from is easily seen in the photo above. Hogs use this adaptive trait to burrow into the sandy soils of the areas the inhabit. This could be in search of shelter, food, or to excavate a chamber for eggs. Females generally do this in early or mid June and the young usually hatch out in August or September. I've written before about their impressive defensive displays which entail a flattened neck and high pitched hiss, so I've decided to attach a video of this behavior.

This snake was a little unwilling to play dead as much as other hogs I've seen, but it did eventually do so. It is always a treat to find this species in the field as I don't see them very often. I'll close with another short video of this beauty disappearing into the field, I can only hope I'll see one again before the year is over.