Life History of Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center’s Western Hognose Snake
Carpenter Nature Center’s Plains Hognose Snake was bred in captivity and hatched in 2008 at the Twin Cities Reptile store. It lived as an animal ambassador at the Maplewood Nature Center in Maplewood, MN from 2009-2018. The Hognose snake came to Carpenter Nature Center in 2018, as the staff at Maplewood thought he would better suit our programs here.
Carpenter Nature Center’s Plains Hognose Snake is a wonderful ambassador, teaching thousands of visitors every year about our natural environment, threatened & endangered species. Our snake will live a comfortable life with humans, as he is provided with all the food he needs and safety from predators.
Plains Hognose Snakes are uncommon in Minnesota and are listed as a species of special concern. Plains Hognose Snakes are not found in Wisconsin. Their close relative, the Eastern Hognose Snake is found in both states and their populations appear to be stable. Plains and Eastern Hognose Snakes hunt for toads in sandy soil and prairie areas.
These species are susceptible to habitat loss, habitat changes, persecution by people and collection for the pet trade.
Collection for the pet trade is a key reason many species around the world are endangered or threatened today. If you are fortunate enough to find a snake in the wild, please leave it alone and enjoy the opportunity to watch a magnificent wild creature in its natural environment.