Individuals of this species may appear all black. Body scales are keeled and the underside of the tail is usually lighter than the rest of the belly. Most matings take place in the spring. Females typically deposit 15-25 eggs in a depression under rocks or logs, in sandy soil, or in mulch piles. Eggs deposited in June and July hatch in August and September.
Sandy soils are an essential habitat characteristic for hognose snakes.
These snakes can be found in sandy woodlands, fields, farmland and coastal areas. Toads are their preferred prey, although frogs, salamanders, small mammals, birds and invertebrates are also taken. Hognose snakes appear to be immune to poisons produced by toads, and are equipped with large teeth in the back of their mouths, apparently to puncture inflated toads so that they may be more easily swallowed. Many of these harmless snakes are killed by people who are convinced that they are venomous and dangerous. When confronted, the hognose snake will suck in air, spread the skin around its head and neck like a cobra, hiss, and lunge as if to strike.