The distribution of the eastern indigo snake, Drymarchon couperi, in Georgia

January 23, 2021

A 2-year study was undertaken to survey the distribution of the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) in Georgia and to characterize and delineate its habitat in the state. Data were gathered through questionnaires, follow-up interviews, intensive snake hunting, soil maps, vegetational analyses and satellite imagery. The majority of 511 sightings occurred in the Tifton Uplands of the Georgia Coastal Plain and were associated with deep, excessively drained, sandy soils along major streams. Winter sightings occurred almost exclusively on sandhills and in association with the burrows of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus).