Louisiana Pinesnake

Range

The range of this endangered snake has been reduced to a few small patches in western Louisiana and extreme eastern Texas.

Habitats

Spends about 60% of its time underground in pocket gopher burrows. Pocket gophers are its primary food source, so it's often found within the vicinity of this prey species. It frequents open longleaf pine forests with well-developed grassy understory in loose, sandy soil.

Identification

A mid-sized snake averaging 3-4 feet long, but it can grow over 5 feet. It has a small, tapered head and an undefined neck. Its scales are keeled and glossy. Its background color is tan to yellowish light brown, and it has dark brown patterning. At the front of the snake, the pattern is mainly speckled, but it gradually changes to distinct irregular blotches towards the tail end. The blotches become bands on the tail. The ventrum has a messy checkered pattern, with lighter coloration.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians