Ontario is home to a second venomous snake species you may not know about

You may have heard that the reclusive Massasauga rattlesnake is Ontario's only venomous snake, a common belief that simply isn't true.

While the Eastern Massasauga is indeed the only snake native to Ontario that packs a potent enough punch to potentially kill a human, calling it the province's only venomous snake is quite the snub for another fascinating species that calls this region home.

The eastern hog-nosed snake or eastern hognose (Heterodon platirhinos) is a mildly venomous snake that might not instill the same kind of terror as the characteristic warning sound of a rattlesnake, but, for amphibians, this curious colubrid is a feared bringer of death.

Eastern hognoses feed largely on amphibians, and are particularly known for their love of chowing down on toads.

This thick-bodied snake with a distinctive pig-shaped snout can grow up to one metre long. Found across a wide area of the eastern U.S., southern Ontario marks the northern extent of the species range — though its conservation status is listed as "threatened" in the province.

According to the Province, "the Canadian population is limited to Ontario where it can be found in two areas: the Carolinian Region and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region."

Its scientific name refers to the species' enlarged teeth at the rear of its upper jaw, which inject prey with a venom evolved specifically to disable amphibians and pose almost no risk to humans beyond the initial pain of getting bitten by a snake.

There is some confusion supporting the misconception that the Massasauga is the only venomous snake in Ontario. The province's own info page for the eastern hognose describes it as non-venomous, while its page for the Massasauga hails the species as "Ontario's only venomous snake."

Bitten humans typically don't suffer a reaction to this specialized venom, and no deaths related to eastern hognose bites have been recorded. However, some individuals may be allergic to the species' saliva, which can cause symptoms when bitten, including a burning sensation, swelling, discoloration and/or bleeding.

So, while this venomous snake may seem scary at first glance, it means you no harm (unless you happen to be wearing a giant frog suit).