Rare Snake Measuring Nearly 8 Feet Long Found In South Georgia

GEORGIA — Wildlife biologists recently discovered a huge eastern indigo snake in south Georgia, one of the longest snakes discovered in the state in recent years.

A recent Facebook post by the University of Southern Georgia Department of Biology shows a man holding the large snake, which was captured at Fort Stewart. It measured 7 feet 7 inches long.

These large nonpoisonous, black snakes are the longest snake in North America reaching lengths between 7 and 9 feet, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said.

They're getting harder and harder to find, according to the university.

"Unfortunately, they are federally threatened due to habitat loss and persecution by humans," the university posted Thursday.

Eastern indigo snakes are now restricted to southern Georgia and Florida. The university said its biologists work with indigo snakes on a regular basis as part of long-term monitoring of their populations.

Sometimes referred to as a "gentle giant," these snakes should only be handled with a permit, wildlife experts warned.