USFWS proposes to list the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), a small, fossorial snake species from the coastal plains and sandhills across the southeastern United States, as a threatened species under the ESA. This determination also serves as their 12-month finding on a petition to list the southern hognose snake. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, they find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, they propose to list the southern hognose snake as a threatened species with protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act ("4(d) rule"). If finalized this rule as proposed would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species. They find that designating critical habitat for this species is prudent but not determinable at this time. Comments must be received by 28 October 2025. POC is Christy Johnson-Hughes, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South Carolina Ecological Services Field Office; 843-727-4707; christy_johnsonhughes@fws.gov. (Federal Register 29 August 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 42151-42178)