Introduction
The Carolina Snake, more commonly known as the Southern Hognose Snake, is now at the center of a federal conservation debate. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed listing this non-venomous reptile as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The proposal highlights the growing concern that this snake, native to North Carolina and other Southeastern states, may face extinction without stronger protections.
If approved, the listing would mean more safeguards for the snake and its habitat, while also sparking debate over land use, forestry practices, and conservation priorities. This article takes a deep look at what the proposed federal protection means, why the Carolina Snake is under threat, and how it could impact both the species and people in the region.
What Is the Carolina Snake?
The Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus), often referred to as the Carolina Snake, is a small, harmless, non-venomous reptile. It is most commonly found in the sandy uplands, fields, and pine forests of:
- North Carolina (Coastal Plain and Sandhills)
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Florida
This species is already listed as threatened at the state level in North Carolina, but the new proposal would extend protection nationwide.
Key Physical Features
- Size: Usually between 13 to 20 inches long.
- Appearance: Large dark blotches on a light gray or tan body.
- Snout: Upturned nose, adapted for digging.
- Behavior: Mostly underground, active late mornings to early afternoons.
- Diet: Primarily frogs and toads.
Although harmless, the Carolina Snake is often mistaken for venomous species, which sometimes leads to unnecessary killing by humans.
Why the US Fish and Wildlife Service Proposed Protection
The USFWS Species Status Assessment showed that the snake’s population has been declining for decades. The primary reason: habitat loss.
Other contributing factors include:
- Habitat fragmentation and conversion – Expanding development, logging, and agriculture are shrinking the snake’s sandy pine forest habitats.
- Road mortality – The snake is slow-moving, making it vulnerable to cars.
- Invasive species – Fire ants attack the snake’s eggs and hatchlings.
- Climate change – Increasing temperatures, droughts, floods, and rising sea levels are altering its environment.
The assessment concluded that without intervention, the decline is expected to continue and worsen.
What Does “Threatened Species” Mean?
Under the Endangered Species Act, a threatened species is one that is “likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or much of its range.”
If the Carolina Snake is officially listed:
- Killing, harming, harassing, hunting, or capturing the snake (known legally as “take”) will be prohibited.
- Certain activities may still be allowed, such as prescribed burns, sustainable forestry, invasive plant control, herbicide applications, tree harvesting, and utility maintenance, provided they are conducted responsibly.
- The USFWS will have one year to determine and designate critical habitat for the species.
The Debate Over Habitat Protection
The agency stated that designating critical habitat is “prudent but not determinable at this time.” If designated later, critical habitat would mean identifying specific areas inside and outside the snake’s range that are vital for its survival.
- Federal agencies would then be required to ensure their projects do not damage or destroy these areas.
- However, critical habitat designation does not automatically block private development. It primarily affects federally funded or permitted projects.
This nuance is important in states like North Carolina, where large portions of the snake’s habitat overlap with privately owned land, forestry areas, and farmland.
Expert Opinions: Will Protection Help?
Jeff Beane, herpetology collections manager at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, has studied the Carolina Snake for decades. Having personally observed more than 900 individuals in North Carolina, he believes the primary problem is habitat loss.
“It’s hard to say whether listing is going to benefit the species much,” Beane admitted. “It might if more land is purchased for protection of the species. It’s a habitat loss problem, really.”
In short, while federal protection could bring awareness and regulatory safeguards, long-term survival depends on habitat conservation and restoration.
A History of Federal Protection Efforts
This is not the first time the Carolina Snake has come under federal review.
- 2012: The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) petitioned USFWS to list the snake.
- 2015: The agency determined listing “may be warranted.”
- 2019: After review, USFWS decided not to list it, claiming populations were still viable.
- 2023: The Center for Biological Diversity sued the agency for failing its legal duties.
- 2025: In August, USFWS proposed listing the snake as threatened, but without full critical habitat designation and with some exceptions for forestry and herbicide use.
The CBD has criticized the proposal as insufficient, demanding stricter protections.
Why the Carolina Snake Matters
The Carolina Snake is more than just a reptile—it is a keystone species within its ecosystem.
- Ecological Role: Helps control frog and toad populations.
- Soil Health: Its burrowing behavior aids soil turnover.
- Cultural Symbol: Represents the unique biodiversity of the Southeastern U.S.
As Will Harlan, Southeast director for the Center for Biological Diversity, said:
“These snakes cling to survival in uniquely Southern landscapes that are vital to our own health.”
Challenges to Conservation
Protecting the Carolina Snake is easier said than done. Key challenges include:
- Private Land Ownership – Much of its habitat lies on private property, where conservation measures are harder to enforce.
- Misidentification – People often confuse the non-venomous Carolina Snake with venomous species, killing them unnecessarily.
- Competing Interests – Logging, farming, and development often conflict with conservation priorities.
- Climate Uncertainty – Rising seas and extreme weather events threaten sandy upland habitats.
How Federal Protection Could Help
While challenges remain, federal protections could bring several benefits:
- Stronger regulations on activities that directly harm the snake.
- Increased funding for research, monitoring, and habitat restoration.
- Land acquisition programs to secure key conservation areas.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate people about the snake’s harmless nature.
Even though the impact may not be immediate, listing could set the foundation for long-term recovery.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Legal Battles
Environmental groups have largely welcomed the proposal but argue it doesn’t go far enough. They want:
- Immediate critical habitat designation.
- Removal of exceptions for forestry and herbicide use.
- More aggressive enforcement of ESA protections.
On the other hand, landowners and forestry stakeholders worry that increased regulations could limit land use and raise costs. This tension between conservation and development is at the heart of the debate.
Also read: Macaws Learn From Watching Other Macaws Interact – A Discovery That Redefines Animal Intelligence
The Future of the Carolina Snake
The next year will be crucial. If USFWS finalizes the threatened listing, the agency must also consider habitat protections. Conservationists will continue to push for stronger safeguards, while industries will likely advocate for regulatory flexibility.
Regardless of the outcome, the Carolina Snake’s fate serves as a broader warning about biodiversity loss in the Southeast. Protecting this species means addressing larger issues: habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change.
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Conclusion
The Carolina Snake, or Southern Hognose Snake, is a small but significant part of North Carolina’s natural heritage. Its declining numbers highlight the fragile balance between wildlife and human development.
The proposed federal protection marks a pivotal moment: a chance to safeguard a species before it slips further toward extinction. Whether these measures will be enough depends not just on government action, but also on public support, land conservation efforts, and a willingness to balance economic activity with ecological responsibility.
As debates continue, one thing is clear: the survival of the Carolina Snake reflects the health of the landscapes it calls home—and ultimately, the health of the people and ecosystems across the Southeastern United States.
