Federal authorities issue grim prediction about the potential extinction of the disguising snake species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has made a significant decision to grant the southern hognose snake protection under the Endangered Species Act. This turnaround from a 2019 decision that denied the snake such protections comes after a thorough review of the threats it faces.

The species, known for its unique ability to play dead, has been struggling due to ongoing and future threats. The decline in its overall viability is expected to continue over time. The Fish and Wildlife Service identified roads and reptile collectors as significant threats in their proposal, factors that were not considered in the 2019 decision.

Roads pose a significant risk to the southern hognose snake, with its habitats often fragmented and disrupted by these man-made structures. Reptile collectors, on the other hand, present a threat to the snake population through illegal collection and trade.

These threats are not unique to the southern hognose snake. They are common threats to many species of reptiles, contributing to their decline in numbers. The Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal to list the southern hognose snake as a threatened species takes these threats into account.

The decision was made due to litigation that challenged the 2019 decision. The Fish and Wildlife Service made this statement in their proposal, stating that the threats from roads and reptile collectors are ongoing and are expected to continue in the future.

The Fish and Wildlife Service, a federal agency, has identified these threats as significant contributors to the decline of the southern hognose snake's viability. By granting the snake protection under the Endangered Species Act, the agency aims to help conserve this unique reptile and ensure its survival for future generations.

Federal authorities issue grim prediction about the potential extinction of the disguising snake species