34 reports of snakebite envenoming by the Western Hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus): a retrospective online survey

Abstract

The Western Hognose snake, Heterodon nasicus , is earth’s most commonly kept venomous pet snake. Generally assumed to be harmless, recent reports suggested a more potent venom than originally thought, but literature is scarce. Here, we analyze the severity of bites among keepers of this species via a retrospective online survey. In 34 reports, symptoms were mentioned. They range from local pain for short time frames to extensive edema that resolve after several days or weeks. Severity was correlated with exposure time to the bite. While symptom resolution time can be long in intense cases, no sequelae or fatalities occur and envenoming can be prevented by simple security measures, such as using gloves. Therefore, we evaluate the venom of H. nasicus to be indeed more damaging than hitherto assumed, yet the species appears to pose no severe danger to humans and we do not see the necessity to impose legal constraints on its role within the pet trade and husbandry.