I recently discovered a preserved Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) from Brule County, South Dakota (pictured) that represents an important distributional record in the state. Heterodon platirhinos was historically known from southeastern South Dakota in Union and Clay counties. This specimen, from Chamberlain, is roughly 300 km up the Missouri River from previously known localities in Clay County, South Dakota. This historic specimen, combined with recent observations of H. platirhinos from western South Dakota (see https://www.herpmapper.org/record/193175) suggest this species may be present in additional localities across the state and further surveys for this state-threatened species should be a conservation priority.

Davis DR. 2018. Geographic distribution: USA, South Dakota, Brule Co.: Heterodon platirhinos (Eastern Hog-nosed Snake). Herpetological Review 49:76. [PDF]