What range of colors encompasses the highly variable background coloration found on the dorsal side of these snakes?

Yellow, pale tan, olive, gray, brown, reddish, or solid black

Color and pattern variability constitute the most confusing aspect when attempting field identification of the Western Hognose Snake because they exhibit one of the widest color variations found among North American reptiles. The background coloration is not fixed to one shade but can range extensively from light to dark. This spectrum includes shades such as yellow, pale tan, olive, gray, brown, reddish, or even presenting as solid black in some morphs. This extreme range allows populations to blend into diverse environments; for example, snakes in sandy, arid locations may be light tan or yellow, while those in dark, loamy forested areas might appear dark gray or black, demonstrating effective camouflage tailored to the local substrate.