Well, there are actually 2 subspecies of Drymarchon in the US, both known as Indigos.
The first, and probably what you are referencing, would be Drymarchon corais couperi, or better known as, the Eastern Indigo Snake. While this sub is occasionally available, they are quite expensive, generally commanding 700.00 - 900.00 for babies. Also, USF&W permits are required for interstate commerce only, as there are no permits required from the USF&W for intrastate commerce, as wrongfully noted in another post. However, several states require permits as well, so you may be looking at the acquisition of one, and possibly two, permits, if your state will allow you to keep D. c couperi at all.
The Texas Indigo (Drymarchon corais erebennus) is protected by the Great State of Texas only, so specimens require no permit for interstate or intrastate commerce. However, no specimens may be taken from the wild and you must be very careful as to what specimens you acquire, as there are several integrates out there, thanks to profiteers looking to make a buck on a desirable specimen.
It has been my experience, the further North D. c couperi are found within their respective range, the less red and white coloration you will find in them.
While indigo is the color which best fits specimens in the US, they certainly are of black appearance.
Being raised in So Dade Co. Florida, I used to capture D. c couperi quite readily, as a child, though I never encountered a solid black specimen in Florida, I have encountered such specimens, further North, in Southern Georgia many years ago.
Also, Robert Bruce, who maintains a very sizeable collection of D. c couperi, recently sold a sizeable group of black (indigo) specimens not so very long ago, so such specimens are, and with any luck, should continue to become available on an infrequent basis. Personally, I find the contrast of the red-chinned specimens to be much more appealing, though this may have something to do with such specimens being the first Drymarchon I ever had exposure to.
While raising, and releasing, large groups of offspring may seem sensible, there is actually much data which suggests, this is not a beneficial tool for conservation and may even be detrimental to existing wild populations, as well as the introduced specimens.
For more information regarding Drymarchon care and conservation, I suggest you go to
www.indigosnakes.com. You will find a wealth of information there.
I currently maintain a small, yet diverse, group of Drymarchon, which include 2.2 D. c couperi (Eastern Indigo), 2.2 D. c erebennus (Texas Indigo), 3.3 D. c rubidus (Mexican Red-tail Cribo), 4.4 D. c corais (Yellow-tail Cribo), 2.2 D. c unicolor (Unicolor Cribo) and 2.2 D. c melanurus (Black-tail Cribo), and I have found all members of the Drymarchon complex a complete joy to keep. They are all very intelligent, inquisitive creatures and I am fortunate to have the honor of working with them.
A few words of caution though. Drymarchon require a high level of responsibility. While not the most difficult genus to keep, they do require a much higher level of maintenance and VERY large enclosures, due to their size, metabolism and activity level, but once you have one, you will find it is a worthwhile endeavor.
Best regards,
Jeff Snodgres