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 marshes.

“We need help from Floridians and visitors to better understand where rainbow snakes still occur in the state,” says Kevin Enge, research scientist with FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “Every sighting report gives us valuable data about their current distribution and helps us assess the health of the species in Florida.”

Any sightings or recent photographs of the rainbow snake should be reported to the FWC on its official webpage.