Painted Hognose

Due to fear and false information, snakes often get a bad reputation for being… Well, snakes. People who are cruel and untrustworthy are sometimes referred to as “snakes” however this is a misrepresentation of a snake’s nature. My first pet snake was a Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) that showed me how wonderful and inquisitive snakes truly are. I’ve been caring for snakes for over a decade and it’s a special experience to have an animal that is normally reclusive and fearful to grow to trust and interact with you. Painted Hognose is my homage to these beautiful and misunderstood creatures. Through this artistic and educational display I hope to change the negative view some might have toward snakes and highlight them as living pieces of art. The species I am centering my exhibit around is the Western Hognose Snake. They are known for their distinct pig-like nose and their dramatic defence mechanism of rolling over and playing dead. This cute and feisty snake is commonly kept as a pet in the reptile keeping community and I am modeling my display after a snake breeder’s expo booth. I will feature unique genetic mutations (morphs) that alter the appearance of the hognose through a poster display, stickers, and 3D printed models that I painted. The adorable appearance of the hognose often makes them more approachable to people who have a fear of snakes. I believe education and exposure can inspire curiosity and understanding about animals that are deemed dangerous or lesser.