For keeper well-being, what substrate characteristic must be provided to allow the natural foraging behavior of *Heterodon nasicus*?

Deep, loose, diggable substrate like sifted topsoil or sand mixes

When managing the care of *Heterodon nasicus* in a controlled setting, meeting its natural behavioral needs is paramount to its overall welfare, which extends beyond basic temperature and humidity requirements. Since these snakes naturally use their upturned snout to root and tunnel through the ground while foraging for their specialized diet of toads and frogs, keepers must provide a substrate depth and texture that facilitates this behavior. An appropriate environment requires deep, loose, and easily diggable material, such as sifted topsoil or specialized sand mixes, allowing the snake to engage in necessary tunneling, which is a critical component of its psychological and physical health.