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Module 1.3: Introductory Snakes Interpretive Guide

6/22/2017 Interpreting with Snakes The Maryland Zoo

Interpreting With Snakes: The theme of your conversations may differ from group to group

depending on the program, the age of your audience, or your audience’s perceptions of snakes.

Examples of different talking points that relate to Zoo themes are listed below.

Theme: Humans and wildlife can coexist.

Background: Snakes often have a bad reputation for being scary, slimy and dangerous.

Changing the negative perception of snakes is important for their survival; some people who

fear snakes prefer that they are not in their garden or near their home, and may take extreme

measures to remove them.

Talking point: Dispelling fear of snakes

Possible hook: Do you think snakes are scary?

Related facts:

o There are 27 snake species native to Maryland; only two are venomous

(copperhead and timber rattlesnake).

o Snakes aren’t typically aggressive towards humans. Many snakes have

adaptations (eastern hognose, Pueblan milksnake) that make them appear to be

much more dangerous than they are.

o Snakes eat common household pests, like mice and rats (and other snakes, when

handling the kingsnakes).

Call to action:

o If you spot one in the wild, simply maintain a safe distance or allow it to move

away from you. In more extreme cases, contact a professional.

o Encourage visitors to explore the exhibits in Maryland Wilderness to learn about

Maryland native snakes.

Theme: Animals have adaptations that help them survive.

Talking point: Predator adaptations (see snake basics; relevant for all embassy snakes)

Possible hook: How do snakes catch their prey?

Related facts: (check factsheet for species specific information)

o Camouflage

o Jacobson’s organ

o Constrictors

o Specialized jaw bones

Module 1.3: Introductory Snakes Interpretive Guide


Call to action: Encourage visitors to explore the exhibits in Maryland Wilderness to learn

about Maryland native snakes.

Theme: Humans are part of the great diversity of life and have the power to protect or destroy

it.

Talking point: Responsible pet ownership

Background: Many audience members may say that they want a snake as a pet, or may tell you

stories of taking them home. It is important to educate your audience about responsible pet

ownership and wildlife interaction. Information to keep in mind is listed below.

Related information:

Owning a pet is a big responsibility. It is important to research what an animal requires,

and where it came from, before bringing one home.

o Snakes can live for many years, can grow very large, and require specific care at

home.

o Always purchase your pet from a responsible breeder. The illegal pet trade is a

major threat to many exotic species.

Unwanted pets should never be released to the wild. The species may not be suited to

their new environment, or they may thrive and cause problems for native species.

Module 1.3: Introductory Snakes Snake basics


Snakes are reptiles: Reptiles are cold blooded, or ectothermic. This means that they rely on outside sources to

warm or cool its body. A snake can often be observed basking in the sun, or resting on hot

rocks for warmth. If a snake is too warm, it may retreat to a cooler place, like a burrow or

shaded area. Because it spends less energy warming and cooling its body compared to a

warm blooded, or endothermic animal, such as a human, it requires less food.

*Fun fact: Depending on their size, snakes at the Zoo are offered food only once a week,

or once a month!

Jacobson’s organ:

Snakes have a special organ called the Jacobson’s organ that helps them smell, or “taste”

the air. The Jacobson’s organ is a major component of the snake’s hunting ability, and is

also used to detect pheromone communication from other animals.

The Jacobson’s organ is an extra olfactory organ located in the skulls of many animals, including snakes. It functions much like a nose—when the snake sticks its tongue out, it grabs molecules of air that it then transfers to the Jacobson’s organ, allowing it to “taste” the air.

Snakes do have noses, and can smell with them. The Jacobson’s organ increases the amount of information taken from the snake’s surroundings, allowing it to better pinpoint its prey.

Constricting prey:

Some snakes kill their prey by delivering a venomous bite. We do not have venomous

snakes in the Embassy, all Embassy snakes are constrictors. After seizing a prey animal with

its small, needle-like teeth, a constrictor will wrap its body around the prey and squeeze.

This does not crush the animal; instead it prevents the prey from obtaining enough oxygen.

Once the prey has suffocated, the snake will begin to consume it.

Specialized jawbones: Unlike humans, snakes have extremely flexible tendons attaching their lower jaw to the rest

of their skull, allowing them to dislocate their mandible in order to swallow relatively large

food. Additionally, their chin contains flexible elastic tendons. Due to this flexibility, they

can open their mandible sideways, further increasing the possible size of their food.

Rhythmic muscular contractions help to push food down their throats and into their stomachs.

When eating large food, a tube in their mouth will move to the side and allow for continued oxygen exchange. Without the tube, a snake eating a particularly large food item could suffocate.

Ball Python Python regius

6/22/2017 Ball Python The Maryland Zoo

Description:

Size: o Length: 3.25- 6 ft (1-1.83 m) o Diameter: 4-6 in (10-15 cm) at thickest point

Weight: 4.5-9 lbs (2-4 kg)

Sexual dimorphism: o Females are larger than male, with a thinner and shorter tail o Males are generally more slender with a smaller head

Physical description: A medium- length but thick-bodied snake. The head is typically slender but long with pits across the lips. The tail is short and thin compared to the rest of the body.

Coloration: Typically has a dark brown base color with light brown or khaki markings across the rest of the body. May have a yellow-brown strip that runs across the eyes. The belly is typically an ivory color.

o Extensive captive breeding has resulted in color morphs not seen in wild specimens.

In the Wild Habitat and Range:

Geographic range: Found in central and western Africa slightly north of the Equator

Preferred habitat: Usually found in grasslands, open forests, and areas that have been cleared for farming.

Diet:

Carnivorous: o Feed mostly on rodents including several species of rat native to Africa o Also hunt other small mammals, birds and amphibians

Adaptations:

Labial pits: The small pits lining the upper jaw of this animal are called labial pits, and contain the pit organ, a sensory organ that can detect heat. It allows the snake to “see” the infrared spectrum. When hunting warm-blooded animals such as mice, this helps the snake to detect prey against its relatively cold surroundings.

Camouflage: The variations in color and pattern can break up the outline of the snake’s body, which makes it less noticeable for predators.

Defensive behavior: When a ball python feels threatened, it will first attempt to bluff, and then try to run. If a predator corners it, it may curl its body into a ball with the head at the center of the sphere, which gives it its common name.

Aestivation: Aestivation is similar to hibernation, but is a response in ectotherms to extreme heat instead of extreme cold. Hibernation implies an extremely low



metabolism, while aestivation is simply a lowered metabolism from which the animal can easily emerge.

Lifespan:

Wild: About 10 years

Captivity: Typically live 20-30 years; some individuals have been reported to have lived as long as 50 years.

Ecosystem relationships:

Predators: Medium to large carnivores including black cobras, birds of prey, and humans

Role/niche: o Controls the population of prey species, particularly rodents. o Are a source of food for other animals higher up the food chain.

Reproduction:

Breeding season: Typically corresponds to the rainy season, which lasts from September to November.

Behavior: o Males and females briefly associate during mating, but leave shortly after

copulation. o The female typically uses abandoned burrows as nests.

Incubation: Eggs gestate in the female’s body for around 2 months. After laying the eggs, the female will usually coil her body around the clutch and shiver her body to produce warmth. The incubation period usually lasts for 2-3 months.

Clutch size: Lay 1-11 eggs per clutch

Maturation: Young are 10-17 inches long at birth and immediately independent; they may stay near the nest for several months before finding their own territory.

Activity:

Crepuscular: Are most active at dawn and dusk and spend midday in an underground burrow.

Other “fun facts”:

Anal spurs: Found next to the cloaca, both females and males have small claws the can protrude from the skin. These are the remnants of legs, and are sometimes used to assist in copulation.

Name: The ball python’s other common name is “royal python.” That name and its scientific name, Python regius, are both references to the manner in which some members of African royalty would wear this snake as a bracelet or necklace.

Cultural symbols: In some African cultures, the snake is revered as a symbol of the Earth, due to its proximity and connectedness to the ground. In these cultures, the snake is



protected, and funerals may be held for dead snakes. Conservation Status and Threats:

IUCN listed as Least Concern o The species has a very large range, and it is thought that any population decline

is not significant enough to warrant a higher rating.

CITES—Appendix II o Appendix II is reserved for animals whose status is currently stable, but may

require further regulation in the near future. CITES limits the export of wild animals by requiring permits.

Threats: o Chief threat is the pet trade. Wild specimens are frequently caught and sold

internationally as pets. Because ball pythons are typically docile and hardy, they are seen as ideal beginner pet animals. Removing young animals from the wild has a negative impact because it can remove certain genes completely from the wild population, and also creates an age gap as entire generations are removed.

o This snake is also killed in certain parts of its range. While some killing is done out of fear, most snakes are killed for their meat and their skin, which can be turned into leather.

o Habitat loss may be a minor threat to this animal. It seems to thrive in the farms, especially when farms attract large numbers of rodents.

Conservation efforts: There are no conservation efforts specific to this African snake. However, several northern African nations, such as Nigeria and South Sudan, have set up wildlife preserves that protect many African animals, including ball pythons.

At the Zoo

Tarrin came from the reptile house in 1989; age, previous history, and gender are unknown.

What We Can Do

Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat – conserve energy, reduce litter and pollution.

Make sure you know the origin of the products you buy – opt for fake leather over snake skin products.

o All of our shopping choices can have an impact on the environment and wildlife so when available opt for recycled and local products.

o Research responsible companies that do not use animal based products or testing.

Do your research before buying a pet. o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred species



are often easy to find. o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to

buy it as a pet. Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature

requirements, and lifespan. Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for.

Additional Resources and References:

San Diego Zoo: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-python.html

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimorehttp://www.marylandzoo.org/animals-conservation/reptiles/ball-python/

IUCN: http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/177562/0

Animal Diversity Web: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Python_regius/ Mehrtens, John M. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Pub., 1987.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-python.html

http://www.marylandzoo.org/animals-conservation/reptiles/ball-python/

http://www.marylandzoo.org/animals-conservation/reptiles/ball-python/

http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/177562/0

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Python_regius/

California Kingsnake Lampropeltis getelus californiae

6/22/2017 California Kingsnake The Maryland Zoo

Description:

Size: o Length: 2.5 to 4 ft (76-122 cm)

Weight: Up to 3.3 lb (1.5 kg)

Physical description: A medium length snake with large scales on the head.

Coloration: Typically black or brown with bands or stripes of white or cream running the entire length of their body.

o The banded variant is much more common than the striped variant. o Other color variants are not uncommon throughout the snake’s range, including

some with zebra-like white stripes, spots, or combinations of stripes and bands.

In the Wild Habitat and Range:

Geographic range: Found in the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico

Habitat: Deserts and semi-deserts, brush, and deciduous and pine forests. o Mainly terrestrial (ground dwelling), but sometimes climbs into low branches

and shrubs. Diet:

Carnivorous: o Prey mainly upon rodents, birds, lizards and other snakes, including venomous

rattlesnakes. Adaptations:

Camouflage: The variations in color and pattern can break up the outline of the snake’s body, which makes it less noticeable for predators.

Venom immunity: King snakes are able to eat venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes due to their resistance to rattlesnake venom. Their resistance is owed to venom-neutralizing proteins in their blood.

While king snakes are mostly immune to the venom of local snakes, they display no such resistance to exotic venomous snakes.

Defensive behavior: When threatened, this snake will coil itself into a strike posture and vibrate its tail. While it does not look like a rattle snake, this quick vibration can produce noises that sound similar to a rattle. When threatened, kingsnakes may aslo strike and discharge a foul-smelling musk. While this musk may serve as a defense by itself, it also likely acts as a warning to other nearby king snakes.

Lifespan:

Wild: Unknown

Captivity: About 20-30 years



Ecosystem relationships:

Predators: Birds of prey such as hawks and eagles, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, bobcats, and other king snakes.

Role/niche: Because rattlesnakes can be extremely dangerous, they can function as an apex predator. However, king snakes are able to prey on rattlesnakes, and in turn can be eaten by animals that are unable to consume rattlesnakes, which increases energy turnover in the ecosystem.

Also function as a control on their other prey species, including rodents. Reproduction:

Breeding season: Typically breed in late spring and summer

Behavior: Females lay eggs in rotting wood or beneath rocks and logs, where conditions are warm and relatively humid

Incubation: Eggs hatch after 2 to 3 months

Clutch size: Typically 3 to 13 eggs

Maturation: Each hatchling is only a few inches long at hatching, and looks like a miniature version of the adult.

Activity:

May be diurnal, crepuscular, or nocturnal. o Activity depends on the daytime temperatures and which part of the range the

individual inhabits. More southerly individuals will be largely nocturnal during the hottest

parts of the year, while northern individuals will be most active during the day during cooler parts of the year.


Kingsnake diversity: Kingsnakes are all part of the genus Lampropeltis, which is found only in the Americas and also includes milk snakes. All members engage in the habit of eating other snakes, including venomous species, or cannibalizing their own.

o The California kingsnake is a subspecies of the common kingsnake. The various subspecies vary considerably in size and color, but are all genetically similar, and are all found in the lower 2/3 of the U.S. and northern Mexico.

Name: The kingsnake’s common name is a reference to the fact that it will eat other snakes, making it “king” of them all. The king cobra has its common name for the same reason. The genus name Lampropeltis comes from the Greek “lampros,” meaning “radiant,” and “pelta,” meaning “small shields.”Getula is derived from the Getulians peoples of Morroco. Getulian culture frequently features the chain-like pattern found on the eastern subspecies.

Conservation Status and Threats:

IUCN listed as Least Concern



o Species has a very large range with stable populations throughout its habitat.

Not listed on CITES

Threats: o Like many snakes, killing the animal out of fear or retribution may be a threat.

However, the benefit of this snake consuming more venomous species such as rattlesnakes is well recognized, and this animal is generally tolerated throughout its range.

o This animal may be caught for the pet trade. However, they are widely bred in captivity, and capture of wild specimens is likely a small concern.

At the Zoo

Elvis is a female who hatched in 2010 and was purchased from a breeder as a juvenile in 2011.

What We Can Do

Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat – conserve energy, reduce litter and pollution

Make sure you know the origin of the products you buy – opt for fake leather over snake skin products

o All of our shopping choices can have an impact on the environment and wildlife so when available opt for recycled and local products

o Research responsible companies that do not use animal based products or testing

Do your research before buying a pet o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred species

are often easy to find o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to

buy it as a pet Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature

requirements, and lifespan Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for

Additional Resources and References: San Diego Zoo: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-kingsnake.html

Oakland Zoo: http://www.oaklandzoo.org/California_King_Snake.php

IUCN: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63828/0

Weinstein, et al. http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a269704.pdf

http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/eastern-kingsnake/eastern_kingsnake.php

Markel, Ronald G. Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications, 1990. Print.

Shaw, Charles E., and Sheldon Campbell. Snakes of the American West. New York: Knopf;, 1974.

Print.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-kingsnake.html

http://www.oaklandzoo.org/California_King_Snake.php

http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63828/0

http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a269704.pdf



Corn Snake Elaphe guttata

6/22/2017 Corn Snake The Maryland Zoo

Description:

Size: o Length: typically 24-48 in (61-122 cm)

Weight: The Maryland Zoo’s corn snake weighs 1.3 lb (600 g)

Physical description: A medium-sized snake with a slender body. The head is long and slender relative to other snakes.

Coloration: Coloration varies considerably throughout its range. Most individuals exhibit brown and red-orange over most of the body, but some individuals display gray and/or yellow on the body as well. Typically feature brightly colored bands or splotches on the back and sides, along with a distinctive black and white “checkerboard” pattern along the underside.

Sexual dimorphism: Males typically have a longer, thicker tail

In the Wild

Habitat and Range:

Geographic range: Mid- Atlantic and southern U.S.

Habitat: Relatively dry forests and meadows. Is also fairly tolerant of human activity, and can be found in farmlands, suburban areas, and rarely-used buildings. As burrowing animal, it prefers places that include loose, dry soil or pre-established burrows.

Diet:

Carnivorous: o Primarily consume small rodents, birds, and bats o Juveniles consume large numbers of lizards and frogs

Adaptations:

Batesian mimicry: The corn snake has a similar coloration to the copperhead, which is a highly venomous snake found in many of the same areas. Due to this similarity, many predators may confuse the non-venomous corn snake for the venomous copperhead, and leave it alone. This phenomenon is known as Batesian [BAYT-see-uhn] mimicry.

Adaptive: While this species prefers to hunt on or below the ground, it is also an arboreal animal, which means it is adept at climbing trees. Young snakes in particular will climb trees in an attempt to find lizards or tree frogs.

Lifespan:

Wild: Unknown

Captivity: Up to 25 years



Ecosystem Relationships:

Predators: Birds of prey, carnivorous mammals such as foxes, and large snakes, including black racers and eastern kingsnakes.

Role/niche: Serve as a control on rodent populations, which benefits the rest of the ecosystem by reducing the impact of these quickly-reproducing generalists.

Reproduction:

Breeding season: Typically lasts from March to May, eggs hatch between July-September

Behavior: o Like most snakes, males and females are only social during copulation and part

ways shortly thereafter. o Females deposit their eggs in decaying vegetation, rotting stumps, or other areas

that have sufficient heat and humidity for the eggs. No other parental care is given.

Gestation/incubation: Eggs develop in the female’s body for about 2 months before being deposited, and then develop for another 2 months before hatching.

Litter/offspring: Typically consists of a single clutch of 10-20 eggs. Captive snakes have been reported to have laid multiple clutches, but this has not been observed in wild individuals.

Maturation: Hatchlings are 10-15 in (25-38 cm) long at birth, and are immediately independent. Sexual maturity occurs between 1.5-3 years

Activity:

Crepuscular: o Active both day and night, though they spend most of their time undergrounds

or hidden under objects/debris. o Primarily nocturnal during warmest summer months.


Name: There are multiple theories regarding the origin of this animal’s common name. One of the most popular is that the snake’s coloration and unusual “checkerboard” pattern on the underside is reminiscent of Indian corn. Another popular theory is that this snake was frequently found in corn cribs and corn fields. While the snake was likely eating mice in these places, the association stuck.

Color Morphs: Their popularity in the pet trade has led to an immense variety of color morphs, including piebald, albino, and other colors pattern not seen in wild animals.

Conservation Status and Threats:

IUCN listed as Least Concern o The species has a large range with numerous healthy subpopulations. The

population is also believed to be stable.



Not listed on CITES

Listed as threatened in some eastern states

Threats: o Habitat loss is a concern. As human activity changes grass and trees into

concrete and lampposts, this snake loses hunting and nesting territory. It is, however, tolerant of mild habitat disturbance.

o Like many snakes, killing the animal out of fear or retribution may be a threat. o This animal may be caught for the pet trade. However, they are widely bred in

captivity, and capture of wild specimens is likely a small concern.

At the Zoo

Muffin was acquired in 2015 from the Carrie Murray Nature Center where he had been a program animal. Previous history and age are unknown.

What We Can Do









Corn snakes can be found in agricultural and suburban areas. Try not to disturb any snakes living in your area; they are neither venomous nor aggressive and can keep rodent populations in check.


National Zoo: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Cornsnake.cfm

IUCN: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63863/0

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Cornsnake.cfm




Savannah River Ecological Laboratory: http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/elagut.htm

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: http://www.marylandzoo.org/animals-conservation/reptiles/corn-snake/

Virginia Herpetological Society: http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/corn-snake/corn_snake.php

http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/elagut.htm

http://www.marylandzoo.org/animals-conservation/reptiles/corn-snake/

http://www.marylandzoo.org/animals-conservation/reptiles/corn-snake/

http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/corn-snake/corn_snake.php

http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/corn-snake/corn_snake.php

Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platirhinos

6/22/2017 Eastern Hognose The Maryland Zoo

Description:

Size: o Length: up to 3.75 ft (115 cm)

Physical Description: A stocky, medium-length snake characterized by a wide head, upturned scales on the tip of the snout, and enlarged teeth towards the rear of the mouth

Coloration: Two color phases exist: o Numerous dark blotches arranged in rows that run down the length of the spine

with a background color that may include gray, tan, pink, yellow, orange, and red.

o The melanistic (heavily pigmented) phase that is nearly uniform black, with slight gray peppering on the tail and underside.

o The underside of both phases is typically cream to dark gray.

Sexual dimorphism: o Males typically have longer tails relative to their body length. o Females are longer and heavier on average, and typically have more blotches on

their back.

In the Wild

Habitat and Range:

Range: Found extensively throughout North America east of the Rocky Mountains. o The species is primarily found north of the Gulf of Mexico into areas of southern

Canada, though they are absent from several areas near the Great Lakes.

Habitat: Areas with loose, dry soil are the most preferable habitat, though they can be found in ecotonal areas where differing habitats meet, or in urban areas given suitable patches of habitat. Avoids aquatic areas except to move between feeding areas.

Diet:

Carnivorous: Primarily adapted to eating toads and frogs, but they may also consume salamanders, small birds, mammals, reptiles, eggs, and insects.

Adaptations:

Upturned scales: Scales on the snout are used to push soil out of the way to facilitate digging.

Adaptations for hunting amphibians: o Specialized hormones: While many toads secrete toxins through their skin,

hormones produced by hognose snakes neutralize the poison and allow the snakes to safely consume toads.

o Amphibian-specific toxin: The snake’s saliva contains chemical compounds that serve to subdue amphibian species, though it does not affect most non-



amphibian species. Very few humans are affected by this toxin.

Defensive behavior: o After being cornered, the first reaction of a hognose snake is to inflate the head

and body to attain a cobra-like appearance, coil the body with an elevated head, rapidly hiss, and strike without actually biting.

o If this does not deter the intruder, the snake will begin to thrash while defecating and excreting musk, which is then spread across the snake’s body by its thrashing motion. It may also vomit its previous meal.

o After a minute or so of this behavior, the snake will lie on its back and become completely limp. It then stays in this position until the predator has left the area.

Lifespan:

Wild: Unknown

Captivity: Up to 11 years Ecosystem relationships:

Predators: Any medium to large carnivore, but primarily larger snakes and hawks, may eat this snake at any of its life stages.

Interspecies competitors: Mainly other predators, including snakes, birds of prey, and mammalian carnivores.

Role/ Niche: Mostly function as a secondary consumer that suppresses amphibian populations.

Reproduction:

Breeding season: Spring – eggs laid in summer months

Behavior: Females deposit eggs in sandy soil or under rocks, logs, etc.

Clutch size: Typically 15-35 eggs per clutch; can lay as many as 60 eggs

Incubation: 2 months

Maturation: o Hatchlings are 6 – 10 inches in length o Sexually mature at around 2 years of age, but continue to grow in size for the

entirety of the snake’s life Activity:

Diurnal

Burrowers; will forage for frogs and toads that are burrowed in soil Other “fun facts”:

Rear-fangs: Large teeth located near the rear of the mouth are thought to be used to puncture a toad that self-inflates defensively, though this has never been witnessed.

Other common names include the word “adder” or “viper” – these names are



misnomers, as “adder” and “viper” are typically reserved for highly venomous snakes. Conservation Status and Threats:

Listed on the IUCN Red List as least concern. o The species has a wide range and is not thought to be in decline. While wild

numbers are not well known, they are almost certainly well in excess of 100,000 individuals, and are fairly common in all parts of their range.

CITES: no special status

Conservation efforts: o There are currently no major efforts directed towards hognose snake

conservation. o Because this snake’s major threat is habitat loss, any initiative the preserves

natural habitat directly benefits this animal.

At the Zoo

Vader is the Maryland Zoo’s hognose ambassador. He hatched at Seneca Park Zoo in New York in August 2008. Eastern hognose snakes are also on exhibit in the Maryland Wilderness.

What We Can Do










ADW: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Heterodon_platirhinos/

IUCN Red List: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63820/0

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Heterodon_platirhinos/




Savannah River Ecology Lab: http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/hetpla.htm

Mitchell, Joseph C. The Reptiles of Virginia. Washin

http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/hetpla.htm

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