H. nasicus kennerlyi is most commonly referred to as the Mexican Hognose Snake and the Western Hognose Snake. They are usually found within semi-desert grasslands, Chihuahuan desertscrub, and grassland habitats. It seems to prefer open areas with loose, well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil. As their name suggests, it is typically found in open valleys, flatlands, rolling plains, and gentle bajadas in south-eastern Arizona and northern Mexico.

Contents 1 Description 2 Choosing your snake

Description

Adult Western Hognose snakes will reach anywhere between 38-63cm (15-25 inches) in length. As with most Hognose snakes the Western is a heavy-bodied snake with a stocky, strong neck and the signature turned-up blunt snout.

Choosing your snake

Health checks for any snake:

• Firm rounded body.
• Clear eyes (may be a little cloudy if about to shed). There should be no sign of discharge.
• No evidence of mites – check especially around the head and eyes, check for faint specks on body and check your hands after handling the snake
• The snake should not have to open its mouth to breathe and should not appear as if it is gasping for breath.
• The inside of the mouth should be a uniform pink – reddened areas or cheesy looking matter may indicate mouth rot.
• Shiny smooth skin with no scabs or sores.
• Clean vent with no swelling in area
• Should move smoothly with no tremors

If you are unsure about the health of a snake, you can ask the vendor for a demonstration feeding, usually on pre-killed mice. If your new snake appears distressed or overly active, be patient but not ignorant, snakes will be agitated while they settle in to their new environments but if the problem persists it may be necessary to seek veterinary advice.