Dozens of snakes have been reintroduced to their natural habitat in Florida in an effort to restore the region’s natural balance.
Total 41 eastern blue snakeThe longest snake species in the United States was released into the wild by researchers during the 8th Eastern Indigo Snake Release.
The reptile is being kept at the Apalachicola Bluffs and Valleys Conservancy in Bristol, Fla., and “plays an important role in the circle of life here,” said Central Florida Zoo Director James Bogan Jr. Told. Orianne Indigo Conservation Center, told the Miami Herald.
Eastern indigo snakes, found in the southeastern United States, also eat venomous and nonvenomous snakes, as well as other wildlife.
Predators help maintain ecosystem balance.
Snakes range in length from 5 to 7 feet, but some have been known to grow over 8 feet.
All two-year-old snakes were bred by the Orianne Center, the only captive breeding facility of this species.
The April 30 event was the largest release of its kind in a single year. the zoo said.
A total of 167 snakes have been released into the sanctuary since the initiative began.
“It’s great to see these young indigos getting the opportunity to play an important role as a keystone species in the pine ecosystem,” Bogan said.
