The Eastern Indigo Snake is an iconic species of the southeastern United States. It is a large, non-venomous snake that can reach lengths of up to 8 feet and 7 inches. The Eastern Indigo Snake is glossy black in color, with a reddish-orange hue on its chin, throat and cheeks. It is a docile species that plays an important role in the local ecosystem as an apex predator.
The Eastern Indigo Snake can be found in the longleaf pine forests of the southeastern United States. It feeds on small mammals, birds, amphibians and other reptiles. This species has been listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act since 1978 due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species from further decline. The Nature Conservancy has worked to restore longleaf pine forests throughout the Southeast, which are essential for the survival of the Eastern Indigo Snake. Additionally, captive breeding programs have been established to help increase population numbers in areas where they have declined significantly.
The Eastern Indigo Snake is an important part of our natural heritage and it’s essential that we work together to ensure its continued survival for generations to come.
