Reptile & Amphibian Forums

this forested area behind an uncles house in raleigh, nc. as soon as i walked in i saw a few toads. there is a small creek flowing a little ways into the forest. the ground is covered in leaf litter. could this possibly be a good habitat for eastern hognose snakes? thanks

The key for hogs is that they like sandy soils. So open sandy grasslands and sandy pine forests are good habitats. They aren't as common in heavily forested areas as they are closer to more open areas, but they are pretty widespread.

The easiest way to find easterns is to walk/ride/drive down sandy roads through forested areas in the morning hours.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

It could be, however, they seem to inhabit a wide variety of areas, wherever toads are found. In NY, I've found them on rocky outcrops on mountain tops basking right next to timber rattlesnakes.

Nesting season is over, or I'd suggest looking for signs of digging in sandy soil.

MH

The hognose I found were in association of areas with good toad populations. They were in a sandy-soil area like Chris mentioned.

Tim

Pics of wild hognose snakes

I have found them in New Hanover, Iredell, Catawba, and Rockingham Counties in NC, as well as one near Danville, VA. The New Hanover was out crawling in the morning in an open sandy area. The others were all found (either on the crawl or under tin) near plowed fields, soil was more of a red clay...typical of the piedmont...but the fact that the fields were plowed may have played a role. Also seems that I've seen them in March/April more...a little earlier than most other snakes.

Hogs seem very random to me...5 live snakes in 20 years of hunting snakes in NC. I would say that you'll have more luck heading one or two counties SE of Wake Co...sandier soil there.

Good luck. If you figure them out, please let me know.

Thanks,
Michael

Thank you all! If i find any i will be sure to post pictures of them. I just have this craving for a little hognose action, it would be a lifer for me if i happen to catch one.

Thanks again

Hey Michael, one more thing. Since you seem to herp alot in NC, would you happen to have any tips or suggestions on where to go, or how to find certain snakes here? I am currently in the piedmont, but we are either going to take a trip to the mountains or coastal plain. Any tips on field herping would be greatly appreciated. I'm not asking for exact locations or anything, just any tips you wouldn't mind sharing.

Thanks

I would be glad to share general info. I need to know a little more about your motives, experience, etc. first. Email me at mcoone@hotmail.com

I travel on my job, so I have experience herping from Morehead City to Asheville.

Thanks,
Michael

Thanks, I sent an email to you. Really nice king by the way!

Brandon