Overview
“Where I live”
Eastern indigo snakes are native to the southeastern United States. They prefer longleaf pine forest habitats, but may also be found in sandhills, dry prairies, edges of freshwater marshes, and even human-altered spaces such as agricultural fields.
“How I live there”
The eastern indigo snake lives in close relationship with the gopher tortoise, a keystone species of the longleaf pine ecosystem. Gopher tortoises create deep burrows that indigo snakes use for shelter and to control their body temperature. The burrows also protect all the species using them from potential predators and from wildfires.
Although IUCN currently indicates the species at low risk for extinction, eastern indigo snakes are federally listed as Threatened. The primary threat is the loss of critical habitat as longleaf pine ecosystems are destroyed to clear land for housing and commercial development. An indirect, but important, threat to eastern indigo snakes is the decline in gopher tortoises, whom the snakes rely on for access to burrows. Gopher tortoise populations have suffered from the same loss of habitat as indigo snakes, but they are also threatened by collection for the pet trade.
“Making my mark”
Although eastern indigo snakes are non-venomous and unrelated to rattlesnakes, they can mimic some rattlesnake behaviors when threatened. In the face of a threat, an indigo snake will flatten its neck, hiss, and vibrate its tail, behaviors that can appear to the potential predator as a much riskier meal.
“What eats me”
Hawks, alligators, coyotes, skunks, foxes, opossums, and larger snakes may all prey on eastern indigo snakes. Even fire ants have been identified as indigo snake predators.
Raising Young
Because eastern indigo snakes are solitary, breeding relies on the use of scents called pheromones produced by females that are ready to mate. A male picks up on the scent and tracks it to the female. If other males are present, they will engage in a form of combat, attempting to force the head of the other to the ground. After mating, females will lay their eggs in sheltered locations such as fallen logs or gopher tortoise burrows. Once females lay the eggs, however, they provide no other parental care.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Reptila
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Colubridae
- Genera: Drymarchon
- Species: couperi
What is an Animal Ambassador?
The Maryland Zoo refers to its special collection of education program animals as “Animal Ambassadors.” The Zoo currently cares for more than 60 Animal Ambassadors, representing more than 40 species, both native and exotic. These animals are managed separately from the rest of the Zoo’s collection and cannot be seen on exhibit at the Zoo. However, many can be seen up close and personal on a rotating basis at Creature Encounters, the Zoo’s outdoor education center; at camp and school programs at the Zoo; as featured participants in community-based Outreach programs; and at special events on and off Zoo grounds.
Animal Ambassadors spend countless hours working with their human handlers, developing bonds of trust and communication that will allow them to appear in front of audiences large and small. They are not show animals. They behave naturally, focusing audiences’ attention on their natural behaviors and adaptations and giving living, breathing meaning to concepts and topics that students may be studying.
Animal Ambassadors travel all over the state of Maryland and beyond, and many also make local and national media appearances, educating about wildlife while representing the Zoo and its commitments to animal welfare and conservation.
What is The Animal Embassy?
The Animal Embassy at The Maryland Zoo is an off-exhibit area that is not open to the public. It is where the Zoo’s “Animal Ambassadors,” or education program animals, live. The Embassy is home to more than 60 individual animals representing more than 40 different species. It is staffed by its own dedicated group of keepers and volunteers and has both indoor and outdoor living space for the animals.