Eastern Indigo Snake
Drymarchon couperi
It is the longest snake native to the United States.
It is the longest snake native to the United States. Federally threatened. It is illegal to capture, harm, harass, or possess an eastern indigo snake without authorization.
Habitat:
Pine Flatwoods, Sandhills, Scrub, Wetlands
Area / Range:
Florida Peninsula, Florida Panhandle
Diet:
Snakes, frogs, turtles, rodents, birds, and other small animals.
Behavior:
Large daytime hunter that uses gopher tortoise burrows for shelter in parts of its range.
Day
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Look during day in suitable Florida habitat.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Federally Threatened and state protected
Safety Level:
Harmless. Protected Wildlife
Safety Information:
Federally threatened. It is illegal to capture, harm, harass, or possess an eastern indigo snake without authorization.
Benefits to Property:
Controls rodents and other snakes, including venomous species.
Property Concerns:
No meaningful property damage. Fear often leads to needless killing.
Fun Fact:
It is the longest snake native to the United States.
Wildlife Laws:
Federally threatened. It is illegal to capture, harm, harass, or possess an eastern indigo snake without authorization.
Identification:
Large glossy blue-black snake with smooth scales and reddish coloring on the chin or throat.
Credits:
Facts: wildlife reference. Images: primary image and secondary image, Wikimedia Commons.