Stock Photo - Black Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi). Mississippi. USA. Found in sandy areas of longleaf pine belt from southwestern Alabama to extreme eastern Louisiana. Reduced in numbers due to habitat destruction. Over 90% of longleaf pine habitat has been destroyed due to logging and other development. Endangered species in the state of Mississippi. May now be extinct in Louisiana. Considered for Federal endangered status. Large snake reaches over 6 feet in length. Hisses and vibrates tail loudly if disturbed. Powerful constricting snake. Keeled scales. Feeds mostly on small mammals and birds and eggs. Good burrrowers. Chiefly active during the day