The Southern hognose snake is a harmless, small snake that measures between 14 and 24 inches in length.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the Southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) is likely to become an endangered species and the service is seeking to classify the reptile as a threatened species.
The service wrote in the Federal Register that it wants to classify the snake as threatened.
“We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), a small, fossorial snake species from the coastal plains and sandhills across the southeastern United States, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the Southern hognose snake. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, we find that listing the species is warranted.”
As such, the USFWS is seeking comments from the public regarding the proposal. Comments can be submitted electronically by going to https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS–R4–ES–2025–0210, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. You can then click on the Search button which will enable you to find the document under the Document type on the left side of the screen. Check the Proposed Rule box and you can submit your comment; You can submit a hard copy to Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R4–ES–2025–0210, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803.
The Southern hognose snake is a harmless, small snake that measures between 14 and 24 inches in length. It is endemic to the southeastern United States. It is found in longleaf pine sandhill, upland pine forest and scrubland. It can also be found in overgrown pastures, dry river floodplains and fields. It feeds on toads, frogs, and mice.
Other Hognose Snakes
Other hognose snakes in the Heterodon genus include the Eastern hognose (H. platirhinos), the more popular Western hognose (H. nasicus), and the Mexican hognose (Heterodon kennerlyi). Of the four snakes, the Western hognose is the most popular with reptile keepers and is widely captive bred.
