15 threatened eastern indigo snakes released in Florida
 

https://apnews.com/a6c69470961c47058bc3ab7af81c1967

15 threatened eastern indigo snakes released in Florida

June 12, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Wildlife officials say 15 threatened eastern indigo snakes have been released in northern Florida.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission news release says the reptiles were set loose Tuesday at The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve west of Tallahassee.

Government agencies, wildlife groups and universities are trying to return the native, nonvenomous apex predator to the region. Similar releases were conducted the past two years.

The eastern indigo snake is the longest snake native to North America, growing to over 8 feet long (2.4 meters). Scientists say it serves a critical function in its environment, consuming a variety of small animals. The snakes were historically found in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, though their range is now more restricted.

That is awesome!

Some years ago, my son walked home from a friend's house and told me he saw a long black snake next to a neighbor's wood pile and he was afraid they would kill it. Being our known 'hood animal rescuer, I went and caught the snake. It was longer than I am tall (I'm almost 5 ft). I was SO hoping it was an Indigo, but it was a black rat. It was still gorgeous, calm and worth saving.

Thanks for sharing that great news!