TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida wildlife officials are asking for support in any sightings of an endangered snake species.

The rainbow snake ( Farancia erytrogramma ) is a nonvenomous, semi-aquatic species that has seen a population decline in recent decades.

The FWC says that a population decline of the rainbow snake has many factors, such as habitat loss or the decline of the American eel, a species that the rainbow snake feeds on. Snake fungal disease has been affecting the rainbow snake population in other states in the country.

The rainbow snake can be easily identified by its distinct black or violet-blue color with three red stripes along its back, with bright yellow scales on its underside. The snake can be found in or near bodies of water, such as rivers, springs or brackish mars

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