Animalscaretips
Eastern indigo snakes are active, terrestrial predators known to expose and chase down prey. They eat a wide variety of animals, including small mammals, birds, frogs, turtles, turtle eggs and other snakes — even venomous species like cotton mouths and rattlesnakes.
- What do indigo snakes do?
- Why is the eastern indigo snake important?
- Are eastern indigo snakes rare?
- Does the eastern indigo snake have predators?
- What is America's national snake?
- Is a black racer the same as an indigo snake?
- Are indigo snakes good pets?
- Are purple snakes real?
- How big is the eastern indigo snake?
- What kind of snake kills a rattlesnake?
- Can indigo snakes climb trees?
- What is the life span of the eastern indigo snake?
What do indigo snakes do?
The eastern indigo snake is not venomous. ... Indigos seldom bite people, but they do bite their prey, enemies, or each other during aggressive competition between males. Although the indigo snake is harmless, because of its protected status this is a snake that you are not allowed to handle without a permit.
Why is the eastern indigo snake important?
The eastern indigo snake is an icon of the southern longleaf pine forest and is the longest native snake on the continent. A non-venomous apex predator, it preys upon many species of animals including some venomous snakes, and it plays a critical role in keeping an ecosystem healthy and balanced.
Are eastern indigo snakes rare?
Eastern Indigo Snakes are found throughout Florida. They appear to still occur in the Florida Keys, though sightings there are extremely rare.
Does the eastern indigo snake have predators?
Because adult eastern indigo snakes are so large, they have few natural predators. However, red-tailed hawks, alligators, and larger indigos have been documented to prey on indigo snakes. Domestic cats and dogs also have been known to kill indigo snakes.
What is America's national snake?
The timber rattlesnake can be found in the area of the original Thirteen Colonies. ... Its use as a symbol of the American colonies can be traced back to the publications of Benjamin Franklin. In 1751, he made the first reference to the rattlesnake in a satirical commentary published in his Pennsylvania Gazette.
Is a black racer the same as an indigo snake?
The common black racer is a slender, fast moving snake. The indigo snake is a stout, slow-moving snake. A distinct difference between the indigo snake and the black racer is the anal plate which is entire on the indigo and divided on the black racer. ... Black pine snakes have keeled scales.
Are indigo snakes good pets?
The magnificent Eastern Indigo Snake, Drymarchon couperi, is the longest of all snakes native to the USA, but occupies one of the smallest ranges. These facts, along with stunning coloration and its reputation as a responsive pet, place the Indigo on the wish lists of serious snake keepers and zoos worldwide.
Are purple snakes real?
Amblyodipsas is a genus of snakes found in Africa. Currently, 9 species are recognized. These snakes are often known as purple-glossed snakes or glossy snakes. Although rear-fanged, all species are considered harmless, but their venom has not been well studied.
How big is the eastern indigo snake?
The Eastern indigo snake is a non-venomous, bluish-black colored snake that can reach lengths of eight feet (2.4 meters). Its chin, cheek, and throat are mostly red or brown, but can also be white or black.
What kind of snake kills a rattlesnake?
Called ophiophages ("snake-eaters"), black racers, coachwhips, kingsnakes, milk snakes, indigo snakes and mussuranas are all capable of turning a deadly rattlesnake into a tasty meal.
Can indigo snakes climb trees?
Northern-dwelling eastern indigo snakes most often utilize gopher tortoise burrows. ... They eat a wide variety of animals, including small mammals, birds, frogs, turtles, turtle eggs and other snakes — even venomous species like cotton mouths and rattlesnakes. They occasionally climb shrubs or trees in search of food.
What is the life span of the eastern indigo snake?
An average of 3 to 10 eggs are laid in March through July; eggs hatch from May through October [10]. The average life span of the eastern indigo snake is 11 years, although they can live as long as 21 years [11].
