Three Louisiana pine snakes (Pituophis ruthveni), one of the nation’s rarest snake species, have been released into Kisatchie National Forest. This brings the total number of pine snakes released in the area over the past two years to 30. Native only to Louisiana and Texas, the snake was listed as a candidate for Endangered Species status in 2010. While the exact wild population is unknown, the last documented wild occurrence was over a decade ago.
The species is currently maintained at 18 zoos for breeding programs, which have yielded 20 hatchlings in 2010 and 14 in 2011. Released snakes are implanted with microchips to monitor their movements. Research shows the Louisiana pine snake spends up to 59% of its time underground and is most active in late morning and mid-afternoon. It inhabits sandy, well-drained soils and open pine forests. Major threats include forest fire suppression, which reduces microhabitats and prey availability (primarily the Baird’s pocket gopher, Geomys breviceps), and off-highway vehicles. Most existing habitat lies within 540 yards of roads. As a constrictor of the Colubridae family, the Louisiana pine snake grows to 4-5 feet long and preys on gophers and small burrowing rodents. It has a low reproductive rate, producing 3-5 eggs per clutch. Hatchlings, measuring 18-22 inches, are the largest of any North American colubrid snake.
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