Have You Seen An EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE Indigo Snake? he Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon vibrate their tails Over 50 species and subspecies of snakes couperi) is the largest North American snake and hiss in at- may be found in Alabama. If you think you Twith adult lengths exceeding 8 feet. Indigo tempts to frighten have encountered an indigo snake, note the snakes are a glossy, bluish-black color, which is away the threat. snake’s overall appearance, any markings, where the “indigo” portion of its name originates. Indigo snakes behavior, habitat, and location where encoun- rarely bite if The chin, throat and sides of the face may be light- DIRK STEVENSON tered. DO NOT kill or capture the snake. er in color, sometimes even reddish. Indigo snakes handled, but If possible, photograph the snake and are harmless and generally calm. However, if even then, the bite poses threatened, indigo snakes may flatten their necks, little danger since the snake has no venom. report your sighting to: HABITAT LIFE NOTES

he Eastern indigo snake is classified as reeding occurs in fall through mid-winter. a threatened species, mainly due to loss Around nine eggs are laid and hatch Tof habitat. Indigo snakes are typically Bthree to four months later. Hatchling Alabama Division of Wildlife found in open, dry, sandy regions historically indigos approach two feet and are most vulner- dominated by longleaf pines. These same sites able at this stage. Adult snakes have few natu- and Freshwater Fisheries are also often home to the ral predators, but juveniles are food for many Wildlife Section gopher tortoise (Gopherus animals. Predators include coyotes, bobcats, polyphemus). The bur- hawks, other snakes, feral pigs and feral or 30571 Five Rivers Boulevard rows of the gopher tortoise domestic dogs and cats. Young snakes are also Spanish Fort, AL 36527 serve as winter den sites more susceptible to extreme environmental con- for indigo snakes and are ditions reinforcing the need for suitable dens, (251) 626-5474 important to the snake’s burrows and other retreats. [email protected] life cycle. www.outdooralabama.com Like all reptiles, snakes are “cold blooded” with body temperatures regulat- ed by the external environ- ment. During winter, indigos escape from the cold by retreating inside gopher tortoise burrows. Burrows may have tortoises present or may be old and This brochure was created through funding of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)— abandoned. The burrows and other den sites Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and the United States also provide protection from fire and predators. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The ADCNR would like to thank Dirk J. Stevenson and the Wildlife Management Branch at As the weather warms in spring and summer, Fort Stewart, Georgia for their contributions. indigo snakes seek the wetter, cooler areas of The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources does not streamsides and wetlands where food can be discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin or found. The indigo’s home range may exceed disability in its hiring or employment practices nor in admission to, access 1,000 acres. to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities.

DIRK STEVENSON 10/07 DIRK STEVENSON INDIGO’S FUTURE LOCATION WITHIN ALABAMA SPECIES IDENTIFICATION

ecause the Eastern indigo snake is so rare, a reported encounter is likely a case EASTERN of mistaken identity. However, some pos- INDIGO SNAKE B (Drymarchon couperi) sible sightings keep the hope alive that the spe- cies has persisted in Alabama. Adult Size: 5-8 feet Scales: Smooth DIRK STEVENSON Efforts continue to introduce indigo snakes Description: Shiny bluish-black; may be lighter colored along face and chin; markings on body or back into the wild. Adult indigo snakes from loca- belly absent. tions in the Southeast were captured for breeding Behavior: Generally calm, slow moving but vibrates by cooperating agencies. Offspring are raised to tail and hisses if threatened. approximately one year of age in large outdoor cages that simulate their natural environment. The The gopher tortoise and its year in captivity provides the released snakes a burrow are important to in- better chance of survival. Upon release at suitable digo snakes and many other sites, the young indigos are permanently marked animals providing protection BLACK RACER for follow-up identification. Some snakes are from predators and extreme ANDREW HOFFMAN (Coluber constrictor) environmental conditions. monitored with radio telemetry. Surveys for adults Adult Size: 3-5 feet Scales: Smooth Description: Slender; dark gray to black; and reproductive evidence (eggs and unmarked whitish chin; common. juveniles) after release determine the success of Behavior: Fast moving; ill tempered; bites if handled. the project. WHAT DO INDIGO SNAKES EAT? Recovery from threatened species status is a n n n lengthy process for the indigo snake. Small mammals Birds Toads and frogs Shaded portions represent the historic range EASTERN n Lizards n Snakes (venomous and Fortunately, growing interest in of the Eastern indigo snake range in the HOGNOSE SNAKE n restoring and managing longleaf Southeast and Alabama. Eastern indigos nonvenomous) Other indigo snakes (Heterodon pine habitats, continued pro- currently inhabit portions of southern Georgia n Just about any animal that platirhinos) and much of Florida. Few documented records exist tection through state and can be grabbed and swallowed! Adult Size: 2-3 feet Scales: Keeled federal laws, additional for Alabama with records only from Baldwin, Covington, Description: Stocky; Dark (melanistic) individuals and Mobile counties. By the 1960s, indigo snakes had releases and ongoing mostly black; snout is pointed and upturned; also become extremely rare in the state and encounters education about the know as “puff adder,” or “spreading adder.” Behavior: with wild snakes ended. marks are locations of CAUSES OF DECLINE Flattens body and neck when threatened, may roll importance of snakes experimental releases from the 1970s and 1980s. over repeatedly, lay on back and feign death. in the landscape n Habitat loss from human population growth make the future n Changes in forest types and tree harvest cycles for indigo snakes Southeastern range of the n Decrease of fire as a forest management tool in Alabama a bit BLACK Eastern Indigo n more promising. Decline of gopher tortoise populations PINE SNAKE n Collecting for the pet trade (Pituophis melano- leucus lodingi) n Killing snakes on sight Adult Size: 4-6 feet Scales: Keeled In 1978 the Eastern indigo snake was placed Description: Thick; dark brown to black; may have on the endangered species list throughout its traces of lighter markings near tail, belly, or throat. Vibrates tail; hisses loudly if threatened. range as a threatened species. Behavior: Snakes play an important role in our ecosystem as both predators and prey. Educate yourself about the Eastern Keeled indigo and other snakes and learn to appreciate this important part of Alabama’s wildlife! Smooth DIRK STEVENSON