Meet Ebony!

The Eastern indigo snake is the U.S.'s longest native snake, growing over 8 feet long! They are known for glossy, iridescent black-blue scales and curios personalities.

Eastern indigo snakes play a vital role in their ecosystems as apex predators. They help control populations of rodents, lizards, and even venomous snakes like rattlesnakes, keeping the balance of their habitats in check. By maintaining healthy prey populations, they indirectly support the plants, animals, and overall biodiversity of their environment.

Sadly, these snakes are disappearing from the wild due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and past persecution. Protecting their natural habitats, such as longleaf pine forests and wetlands, is essential for their survival and the health of the ecosystems they support.

At Chehaw, our Eastern indigo snake serves as an ambassador for snake conservation and education, helping visitors understand that snakes are important, beneficial, and fascinating members of our wildlife communities. Observing their sleek, shimmering bodies up close reminds us how every species has a role to play in the web of life.