The Fort Worth Zoo released more than 50 snakes this week. No need to worry though.
The zoo is doing its part to keep a species of endangered snake alive and well: by breeding them and releasing them into the wild.
The snakes were released more than 350 miles away in Louisiana's Kisatchie National Forest, the natural habitat of the Louisiana Pine Snake.
A total of 55 Louisiana Pine Snakes were released. Although zookeepers have released the snakes into the wild for seven straight years, this year marks the highest number of snakes the zoo has ever set free
"This snake is one of the rarest and most endangered snakes in North America, and that's why the Fort Worth Zoo participates in a breeding program to maintain a healthy, diverse population," the zoo said in a statement. "Each spring, the Zoo releases Louisiana pine snakes, hatched and raised at the Zoo, into their native habitat at Kisatchie National Forest."
The hatchlings are released into the Kisatchie National Forest in a restored and maintained area within its historic range where the species has long been extirpated. The snakes are an important part of the ecosystem, acting as a natural pest control.
The once-thriving Louisiana Pine Snake has been pushed to the brink of extinction by loggers and is one of the rarest snakes in North America, zoo officials say. In recent years, as much as 90% of the population has been eradicated, statistics reveal.
The Fort Worth Zoo is one of only four breeding centers for this species.
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