The link documents an individual who allowed a western hognose to chew his finger for a prolonged length of time. Apparently he did this to see what would happen. The bite was a feeding response - i.e., the snake thought the finger was a food item. The individual showed a pronounced reaction to the envenomation. This was likely due at least in part to the extended time the snake was allowed to chew. The individual could also be sensitive to hognose venom, or have had an allergic response.

Normally, hoggies will not bite humans. Their initial defensive response is to bluff-strike, without actually making contact. If one is clumsy enough to get in front of a bluff-strike one might get accidentally bit. However, the snake will instantly let go. This actually happened to me. I got fanged in the finger. The effect was like a mild spider bite - slight tingling, itching, and redness. It was not painful, and there were no lasting effects.

Most captive hoggies soon lose their defensive behavior, and are quite inoffensive. As captives they are one of the most docile species, and have a loyal following among snake enthusiasts.

For more insight visit the Hognose Forum on this website.

If you are still put off by the thought of working with a mildly venomous yet harmless snake, consider other species, such as cornsnakes, kingsnakes, ball pythons, etc., all of which have forums on this website.

Regards,

John D.

Hognose Forum


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I am so not lesdysxic!

0.1 Creamsicle Cornsake "Yolanda"
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake "Steely Dan"
0.1 Desert Kingsnake "FATTY"

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