Which environmental characteristic is strongly associated with the distribution of the Western Hognose Snake?

Habitats providing necessary loose substrate like sandy plains

The geographical range of the Western Hognose Snake, extending across the central and western US, Mexico, and southern Canada, is heavily dictated by the availability of suitable substrate, which directly supports its primary survival mechanism: burrowing. Therefore, the species shows a strong association with environments where the soil is loose and easily manipulated. This includes characteristic zones such as arid scrublands, sandy plains, and short-grass prairies. This preference for loose substrate is vital because the ability to dig provides protection from extreme fluctuations in temperature characteristic of these open habitats, as well as offering necessary cover from aerial and terrestrial predators.