The hognose snake gets its name from its upturned nose. A stout body and thick neck give it a sinister look. Individuals can be yellow, tan, brown, gray, reddish or nearly black, with squarish dark blotches and round spots.
Juveniles often sport bright red, yellow or orange markings.
Adults are 35 to 45 inches long. Hognose snakes prefer areas with loose, sandy soil, particularly near streams. Frogs and toads make up the bulk of their diet. Common nicknames include puff adder, spreadhead, spreading adder and blow viper. Although the hognose is harmless to people, these names arise from facts, not overactive imaginations.