The United States Fish and Wildlife Service will hold a public hearing on the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) today, June 25 on the Zoom platform. The hearing will start at 5 p.m. EST and will commence at 7 p.m. EST. To register for the public hearing, visit The Zoom link here.
The public hearing will include a brief presentation on the southern hognose snake as well as a status assessment and the proposed rule.
The USFWS has also reopened the comment period on whether to list the southern hognose snake as a threatened species under the Endageed Species Act. The small fossorial snake, which is found in coastal plains and sandhills on the southeastern section of the United States, was proposed to be listed in August 2025. The comment period on the proposed rule change has now been reopened with comments that are submitted on or before July 8, 2026 accepted.
The USFWS reopened the comment period due to a request for a public hearing. When a hearing is requested, the USFWS, based on its Endangered Species Act procedures, reopens the comment period so more people can review and comment on the information detailed in the hearing. People can also submit additional comments. Comments made during the original period are part of the official record.
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.
