Characteristics
A large, rear fanged snake from the island of Madagascar, the Madagascar giant hognose snake is only mildly venomous and not dangerous to humans. Their coloration is black or brown on their back, with beige to yellow bellies. Their slightly upturned rostrum (nose) gives them their name. They can grow up to 6 feet in length and can be quite heavy. Our snake weighs almost 5.5 pounds!
Behavior
These snake are diurnal ground dwellers, and they love to dig. How do you dig without hands? You use your snout of course!
Did You Know?
- These snakes are not related to the hognose snakes found in the US.
- Can also kill their prey through constriction.
- When threatened, the hognose will raise its head, open its mouth, and inflate the skin around its neck and chin in an attempt to look more intimidating.
Reproduction
After mating, the female will lay 6-12 eggs in a burrow and she will guard the eggs until they hatch. However, once they hatch, they are on their own and will need to be catching prey, such as small frogs, if they hope to survive.
Our Animals
Potter Park Zoo has 1 Madagascar giant hognose snake.
How Can You Help?
Support reputable reptile breeders and don’t purchase animals collected from the wild.
