Louisiana Pine Snakes

Protecting One of America’s Rarest Snakes

The Louisiana pine snake (Pituophis ruthveni) is among the rarest snakes in the United States. Once found across the longleaf pine forests of western Louisiana and eastern Texas, this elusive species has nearly vanished due to habitat loss from timber production and fire suppression.

Audubon Zoo is one of only four AZA-accredited zoos maintaining an assurance colony to safeguard the species from extinction. Each year, the Zoo’s herpetology team carefully breeds pine snakes and releases selected individuals into protected longleaf pine habitats, helping reestablish wild populations.

Louisiana Pine Snake Conservation Quick Facts

Habitat

Longleaf pine forests of western Louisiana and eastern Texas.

Conservation Status

Endangered – considered the rarest snake in the U.S.

Conservation Partners

U.S. Forest Service, Memphis Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, Phoenix Zoo, and others

Program Type

AZA SAFE Species & Species Survival Plan® (SSP)

What We Do

Audubon Zoo’s herpetology team leads all on-site work for the Louisiana Pine Snake Conservation Program. Our role includes pairing adults for breeding, incubating eggs, headstarting juvenile snakes, and preparing them for release into restored Louisiana habitats.

This work is carried out in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and several AZA-accredited zoos. Together, we support the long-term stability and genetic diversity of this endangered species.

An Audubon Conservation team member holding a Louisiana Pine Snake during a release

Saving Louisiana’s Rare Snakes

See how Audubon Zoo is helping one of America’s rarest snakes return to the wild.

Rare U.S. Snakes Return to Wild

Six zoo‑hatched Louisiana pine snakes were released into Kisatchie National Forest, part of a long‑standing effort to reestablish wild populations of one of America’s rarest snakes.

Largest Pine Snake Release

In a joint conservation effort, 41 Louisiana pine snakes were released into the wild, marking the biggest single release for this endangered U.S. species.

Endangered Pine Snakes Released

Three head‑started Louisiana pine snakes were returned to their native longleaf‑pine habitat as part of ongoing efforts to save the rarest snake in the country.

How to Help

You can make a difference for one of America’s rarest snakes. Every visit, donation, Membership, or volunteer hour supports Audubon’s efforts to protect these snakes and their longleaf pine habitats. Click below to see how you can help.

🌿 Visit — Your visit directly supports wildlife and habitat conservation.
🌿 Donate — Fund critical programs to protect Louisiana pine snakes and other endangered species.
🌿 Membership — Enjoy a year of visits while contributing to snake conservation with every membership.
🌿 Volunteer — Lend your time and skills to hands-on conservation projects.
🌿 Education — Inspire the next generation of conservationists with Audubon programs.