Short answer: A small North American snake that flattens its neck like a cobra, hisses and even plays dead when scared. An adult female needs about a 40 gallon (36 × 18 × 16 inch) enclosure, a 90–95°F basking spot, a 70–75°F cool side, 30–50% humidity, and frozen-thawed prey once a week.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
- Habitat
- Grassland & Savanna
- Home range
- Southern Canada, most of the United States and northern Mexico
- Adult size
- 14–24 in (females larger)
- Lifespan
- 10–20 years
- Diet
- Frozen-thawed prey
- Active
- Daytime
- Care level
- Intermediate [source]
Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 36 × 18 × 16 in. Juveniles under a year old: 20 × 10 × 12 in. Adult males can live in a 20 gallon (about 30 × 13 × 13 in); adult females need 40 gallons. [source] |
|---|---|
| Basking spot | 90–95°F [source] |
| Cool end | 70–75°F [source] |
| Night | No colder than 60°F at night. [source] |
| Humidity | 30–50%. A humid hide with moist sphagnum moss [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | A T5 HO ReptiSun 5.0 or Arcadia 6% tube, 1/2 to 2/3 the enclosure length; 10–14 in above mesh, 14–18 in without; aim for UVI 2.0–3.0 at the basking spot. [source] |
| Heat | A halogen heat lamp; start with at least one 50 W bulb. No heat rocks. [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 14–24 in (females larger) · 10–20 years |
What to feed, and how often
Frozen-thawed prey no wider than the snake's head. [source]
| Juvenile | One frozen-thawed prey item as wide as its head |
|---|---|
| Adult | One frozen-thawed prey item as wide as its head |
Supplements: Lightly dust prey with a calcium and vitamin supplement once in a while.
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →More western hognose snakes
Western hognose snake FAQ
What size enclosure does a western hognose snake need?
At least 36 × 18 × 16 inches (length × depth × height) for one adult. A juvenile under a year old can start in 20 × 10 × 12 inches. Adult males can live in a 20 gallon (about 30 × 13 × 13 in); adult females need 40 gallons. [source]
What temperature does a western hognose snake need?
A basking spot of 90–95°F and 70–75°F at the cool end. No colder than 60°F at night. [source]
What humidity does a western hognose snake need?
30–50%. A humid hide with moist sphagnum moss. [source]
Does a western hognose snake need UVB?
UVB is recommended. A T5 HO ReptiSun 5.0 or Arcadia 6% tube, 1/2 to 2/3 the enclosure length (10–14 in above mesh, 14–18 in without). Aim for a UVI of 2.0–3.0 where it basks. [source]
What do western hognose snakes eat?
Frozen-thawed prey no wider than the snake's head. Supplements: Lightly dust prey with a calcium and vitamin supplement once in a while. [source]
How often should I feed a western hognose snake?
Juvenile: One frozen-thawed prey item as wide as its head.Adult: One frozen-thawed prey item as wide as its head. [source]
How big do western hognose snakes get, and how long do they live?
Adults reach 14–24 in (females larger) and live 10–20 years with good care. [source]
Where do western hognose snakes come from?
Southern Canada, most of the United States and northern Mexico. They are most active: daytime. [source]
Is a western hognose snake a good reptile for beginners?
ReptiFiles rates its care level as intermediate. [source]
Neighbors in the Grassland & Savanna
GrasslandIntermediate
Ball pythonPython regius
3.6–4.5 ft15–30 yearsRodents
GrasslandBeginner
Corn snakePantherophis guttatus
3–5 ft15–20+ yearsRodents
GrasslandIntermediate
Blue-tongued skinkTiliqua scincoides
18–24 in15–20 years (35+ possible)Omnivore: insects, meat, vegetables
GrasslandAdvanced
Argentine teguSalvator merianae
3–4.5 ft15–20 yearsOmnivore: protein, vegetables, fruit
GrasslandIntermediate
Sudan plated lizardBroadleysaurus major
15–20 in10–15 yearsOmnivore: insects and greens
Sources
- ReptiFiles: Hognose snake terrarium size
- ReptiFiles: Hognose Snake Care Guide
- ReptiFiles: Hognose snake temperatures and humidity
- ReptiFiles: Hognose snake food
General husbandry information, not veterinary advice. If your animal is losing weight or seems unwell, see a reptile vet (find one through ARAV). Updated November 9, 2026.