Introducing Junior, an eastern indigo snake and the third addition to our list of reptile pets. He’s nearly 8 months old and is growing fast.

The Eastern Indigo is truly a prize in the reptile world and one of the flagship animals representing North America’s natural history. This is the largest North American snake (with records hovering around 9 feet) and it is also now an endangered species due to over collecting, habitat destruction and habitat fragmentation. Now relegated primarily to small pockets in Florida and Georgia, this snake once roamed the entire southeastern parts of the United States. A formidable predator, this egg laying snake preys on any animal it can overpower with its powerful jaws including other snakes (even venomous), amphibians, birds, mammals, arachnids, scorpions, etc.

Now, in order to own one of these beautiful creatures, you will typically need a special permit depending on your home state. But there’s no need to rush for a permit, it may take awhile to find one for sale. Indigos are not mass-produced like corn snakes and ball pythons and as such, you have a fairly limited pool of breeders from which to choose.

I purchased my baby indigo from Steve Takata here in Texas. Steve is an experienced researcher who has a Ph.D. in zoology and a renowned reputation as an indigo breeder.

To Tia’s chagrin, Junior joins Big Daddy and Little Momma in our expanding reptile collection.