The Eastern Indigo Snake is the longest species of snake native to the United States. With a habitat that covers much of the Eastern Seaboard and all of Florida, some of the longest eastern indigos grow nearly 9.5 feet. While this fact may strike fear in many, humans have little to fear. Eastern indigos are not venomous and only eat small animals, including bird eggs. Humans are actually more deadly to them. Even though they are not the cutest or most sought-after pet, they play an important and irreplaceable role in their ecosystem. DescriptionEastern indigo snakes have a number of common names, including indigo blue snake, black snake, blue gopher snake, and blue snake. bull snake. The eastern indigo snake is one of the longest native snakes in the United States. A typical adult male is about 7.0 to 7.7 feet long and weighs 7.1 to 9.9 pounds, while a typical adult female is about 6.6 feet long and weighs 4.0 to 6. 0 pounds. These snakes are bluish-black and may have a red-orange or cream coloring on the chin, throat, or cheeks. Their scales are smooth and tend to sparkle in the sun. The eastern indigo snake is not venomous, although it can bite people in defense, it does not release any venom. TaxonomyThe indigo snake, whose scientific name is Drymarchon corais, ranges from the southeastern United States to northern Argentina. This species has eight known subspecies. Two of which are found in the United States: oriental indigo, whose scientific name is D. c. coupei, and Texas indigo, whose scientific name is D. c. erebennus.Population StatusThe eastern indigo snake population is slowly declining. They have been endangered since 1971. When an eastern indigo snake reaches the age of three to five years, it is matu...... middle of paper ......a crossing dune habitats. Their habitat selection varies with the seasons. From December to April, eastern indigo snakes prefer dune habitats, while from May to July, the snakes leave their winter dens and turn to summer territories. From August to November, they are frequently located at the bottom of shady streams. Niche Eastern indigo snakes help control the population of rodents and other snakes, including venomous snakes, in their home range. Threats to survival The eastern indigo snake has experienced a population decline caused by habitat loss. , excessive collecting for the pet trade, and mortality from gassing gopher tortoise burrows to collect rattlesnakes. Humans pose the greatest threat to eastern indigo snakes. Suitable habitat is destroyed during extensive road and housing construction, as well as forestry and agricultural activities...