Eastern Hognose Snake vs Garter Snake
How does the Eastern Hognose Snake compare to the Garter Snake? They are both members of the Colubridae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Heterodon platirhinos
- Thamnophis sirtalis
- Classification
- Reptile
- Reptile
- Family
- Colubridae
- Colubridae
- Habitat
- Sandy woodlands, fields, and forest edges
- Wetlands, grasslands, forests, and near freshwater sources
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 7-12 years
- 4-6 years in the wild, up to 10 years in captivity
- Weight
- 60-120 grams
- 80-150 grams
Eastern Hognose Snake vs Garter Snake: who would win?

Eastern Hognose Snake
60-120 grams

Garter Snake
80-150 grams
Garter Snake has the edge moderate confidence
Garter Snake is somewhat heavier (80-150 grams vs 60-120 grams), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are reptiles.
- Both belong to the Colubridae family.
- Both have a carnivore diet.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Sandy woodlands, fields, and forest edges vs Wetlands, grasslands, forests, and near freshwater sources.
- Weight: 60-120 grams vs 80-150 grams.
Eastern Hognose Snake vs Garter Snake: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Eastern Hognose Snake or a Garter Snake?
Garter Snake has the edge. Garter Snake is somewhat heavier (80-150 grams vs 60-120 grams), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Eastern Hognose Snake and a Garter Snake?
Eastern Hognose Snake and Garter Snake differ in several ways — habitat: sandy woodlands, fields, and forest edges vs wetlands, grasslands, forests, and near freshwater sources. weight: 60-120 grams vs 80-150 grams.
Do Eastern Hognose Snake and Garter Snake live in the same habitat?
No — Eastern Hognose Snake lives in sandy woodlands, fields, and forest edges, while Garter Snake is found in wetlands, grasslands, forests, and near freshwater sources.
What do Eastern Hognose Snake and Garter Snake eat?
Both Eastern Hognose Snake and Garter Snake have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Eastern Hognose Snake or the Garter Snake?
Eastern Hognose Snake is listed as Least Concern, while Garter Snake is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Eastern Hognose Snake and Garter Snake?
Eastern Hognose Snake weighs around 60-120 grams, while Garter Snake weighs around 80-150 grams.

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Eastern Hognose Snake

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Garter Snake







