It's unusual to find one this big, as the researchers explained:"Unfortunately, they are Federally threatened due to habitat loss and persecution by humans." Under the FWS's Endangered Species Act, the snake is listed as"threatened."
The FWS claimed they can grow up to 8ft 5ins for males, and 6ft 5ins for females, and weigh between 6.5 pounds and 11lbs. "In the northern portion of its range, the Eastern Indigo Snake is dependent on Gopher Tortoise burrows for shelter in the winter. As suitable Gopher Tortoise habitat has declined, so have the tortoise populations and with it the Eastern Indigo Snake.", the team confirmed in comments that the creature was not killed. The biology department added:"These wildlife biologists work with Indigo Snakes on a regular basis as part of long-term monitoring of their populations.