Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I found this snake in my flower garden. Can anybody tell me what kind it is?? I live in rural oklahoma and the snake was still very alive when these pictures were taken. It's about 9 inches or so.
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It is definately a Hognose Snake. But, considering your location I find it odd that the snake in your pics looks more like an Eastern Hognose Snake rather then a Western Hognose.(though I guess it could be a western) Anyways, the snake is harmless and feeds on mostly amphibians( frogs, toads, ect.) I hope this helps.

Thanks! I had just been looking through tons of pictures online and a hognose is what I had began to think as well, due to the puffing out of it's neck acting like a cobra.

Thanks again!

>>It is definately a Hognose Snake. But, considering your location I find it odd that the snake in your pics looks more like an Eastern Hognose Snake rather then a Western Hognose.(though I guess it could be a western) Anyways, the snake is harmless and feeds on mostly amphibians( frogs, toads, ect.) I hope this helps.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

I am assuming from your post that the snake died in your possesion? You did say STILL alive (when the photo was taken). I seriously hope you didn't kill it out of ignorance and fear (and prejudice walk hand in hand). You could have sold it for a lot of money. But don't feel bad. People do ill-informed things all the time. Or is it still alive? Just a-wonderin'. Awesome hoggie!

LG

I sure hope its alive as well. But selling it for a lot of money would be second worst. Leaving it alone and releasing it would have been the wise thing to do.

I bring up the money part because it has worked on some rednecks around here in So Tex to give value other than something fun to kill. As in "hmmm, so you just killed it? That's like ripping up a $50 bill." Sometimes that at least makes them think twice about senseless killing. You should have seen the look on one guy's face when I told him the 7 foot indigo he ran over on a ranch road (on purpose-a "speed bump"-he called it) sell for around $1000. Of course that may just encourage illegal collecting, but at least it gave me a sense of satisfaction making him feel stupid. I felt like punching him but decided the passive-aggressive approach was more healthy.

You should have seen the look on one guy's face when I told him the 7 foot indigo he ran over on a ranch road (on purpose-a "speed bump"-he called it) sell for around $1000. Of course that may just encourage illegal collecting, but at least it gave me a sense of satisfaction making him feel stupid.

Of course, you may have also taken someone who just ran over the occasional snake and converted them to someone who seeks out and poaches TX Indigos. More indigos may be threatened by their perceived value.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Yes I did acknowledge that, but in this case the guy mentioned is so freaked out by snakes that I doubt he would ever touch one dead or alive. Plus he wouldn't have a clue where to sell it. But in general I agree with your sentiment. Probably best to just play up the "all indigos ever eat is rattlesnakes-dozens a day"! lol

To answer a question that was asked, no, I did not kill it. I think I might have injured it a little when it startled me, but as soon as I realized it wasn't a poisonous snake I didn't hurt it. Copperheads are very common where I live and I first found this snake in my hand as I was pulling up weeds, and didn't have time to check and see that it wasn't a copperhead before I threw it down. I actually thought about keeping it, and my daughter really wanted me to, she had even named it already, but not having any experience with snakes, and truthfully just not being very comfortable with them, I let it go in a field behind my house. I have to say though, I have always had a very negative view of snakes until this experience. It never tried to bite me and was extremely docile. If I ever got a "pet snake" I think I would get one like this one.

Captive bred hognose snakes make good pets. Wild caught ones, as a rule, do not. It's cool that your daughter was enthusiastic about keeping the snake, even though it's even cooler that you both let it go. Perhaps she will be the herper in the family? There's even a Kids and Herps forum here on Kingsnake. Seriously consider a pet snake--it can be a family hobby that's alot of fun! There are many species that make good first pets, and even researching what snake is best for your family is a good place for the fun to start.

rgds,
althea

It is important to note, however, that hognosed snakes are illegal to buy and sell in Oklahoma. Its ok to catch a wild one and keep it as long as you have an OK hunting license.

Makes a lot of sense, huh?

Steve

Umm, I should have said Eastern and Western Hognose snakes are illegal to buy/sell in Oklahoma. Hognose that aren't native to Oklahoma are ok to buy/sell.

Sorry
Steve