Welcome Hisstopher, the Plains hognose snake!

Our heartfelt thanks to Jason at @hog_alchemy for generously donating our new hognose snake—the newest Live Animal Room resident! This baby western hognose snake made his public debut on August 4 after we asked you, our visitors, to vote for his new name.

Species info:
Plains hognose snakes (Heterodon nasicus) are native to North America, especially around the Great Plains region, in areas with loose, sandy soil. Toads are their preferred prey, but they have also been documented eating other things such as amphibians, small rodents, and eggs. When hognose snakes feel threatened, they flatten their head and neck, hiss, and bluff strike. If that doesn’t give a predator pause, they may play dead! This performance includes writhing around, musking, and finally freezing belly-up until the threat passes.

What makes Hissstopher special:
Hissstopher was donated to the North Museum by Jason at Hog Alchemy in July 2025. He hatched on May 29th, 2025, so he’s just a baby! He is a little nervous around people still, but is quickly adjusting to museum life.

LEARN MORE about Hisstopher and all of the 20+ Live Animal Room residents!