Description

The Eastern Indigo Snake is the largest native snake in North America reaching and exceeding lengths of 8 feet (USFWS). They are nonvenomous and actively catch and crush prey with their jaws (Behler & King, 1979). Indigo snakes are long and thick-bodied, with dark, glossy scales that can be black, brownish, purplish, or reddish. This snake is considered extirpated (extinct from a specific area) from Mississippi, with the last confirmed specimen found nearly a century ago (MMNS). Many people mistake racers and Black Pinesnakes for Indigo Snakes, despite both being much smaller in adulthood, and differing in appearance upon closer examination.

Identifying Traits

• Extremely large, dark snake (indigo or brown with black) and smooth scales
• Occasional red tint near head
• Head shape and scale orientation are key characters

Habitat

Pine savanna, open sandy habitats​, palmetto stands

Behavior

Active diurnally, uses gopher tortoise burrows for shelter, may hiss when encountered

Diet

Various frogs, lizards, small mammals, other snakes