Why is providing deep substrate beneficial for the husbandry and security of burrowing Western Hognose Snakes?

It allows them to fulfill their natural instinct to dig, which makes them feel more secure overall

The Western Hognose Snake possesses strong natural behaviors, notably burrowing, which must be accommodated within captive enclosures for optimal psychological well-being. When keepers provide a sufficiently deep layer of substrate, the snake is given the opportunity to fully engage in this innate behavior—digging and hiding completely out of sight. While this means the snake might occasionally be hidden during planned feeding times, fulfilling this instinct contributes significantly to the snake feeling secure and comfortable within its environment overall. A snake that feels secure is generally less stressed and more likely to eat when it chooses to surface for a meal.