Bites of the western hognose snake Heterodon nasicus are considered to have a little medical effect, as opposed to other non-front-fanged colubroid snakes (NFFC). The present work highlights 2 cases of H. nasicus bites, likely triggered by negligent handling involving latent prey - rodent or amphibian - odor. In both cases, medical symptoms like swelling, pain and bite site exudation were well defined, but resolved 2-3 days post-bite. Although the effects of a bite and its recovery time may vary considerably, this report may serve as a warning to both keepers and veterinarians. Removing prey animal odors by frequent hand washing, especially before handling H. nasicus snakes, is absolutely essential to avoid bite-related injuries.