The demise of the species is due to its low fecundity coupled with the extensive loss of suitable habitat - the longleaf pine savannas in the Gulf coastal plain of the southeastern United States.

Its scientific name honors Alexander Grant Ruthven, the late herpetologist of the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.

[5] Dorsally, the color is buff or lion-like yellow with dark brown blotches and spots that are very similar throughout the body.

This species exhibits a remarkably low reproductive rate, which magnifies other threats to the Louisiana pine snake.

It also produces the largest hatchlings reported for any North American snake, ranging 18–22 in (46–56 cm) in total length, and up to 0.8 oz (23 g) in weight.

The large size of the pine snake hatchlings may be an adaptation to enable young to feed relatively early.

In studies in East Texas and western Louisiana, the snakes spent at least 60% of their time below ground, exhibiting only short-range movements of 10–20 ft (3.0–6.1 m).

They create the burrow systems in which the pine snakes are most frequently found, and serve as a major source of food for the species.

Pocket gopher abundance was associated with a low density of trees and an open canopy, which allowed greater sunlight, more understory growth, and better forage.

A second population occurs on federal lands in Vernon Parish (Fort Johnson, U.S. Army, and Kisatchie National Forest).

A habitat assessment of known historical localities found that only 34% were still considered capable of supporting a viable population of pine snakes.

Urban development, conversion to agriculture, road construction, and mining have all contributed to loss and fragmentation of pine snake habitat.

These natural fire events on sandy, well-drained soils typically maintained an overstory dominated by longleaf pine, with minimal midstory cover, but a well-developed understory of native bunch grasses and herbaceous plants.

In the absence of periodic fires, these upland pine savanna ecosystems rapidly develop a dense midstory which suppresses or eliminates any herbaceous understory.

Nine pine snakes residing in areas subjected to prescribed burns over three years' time all survived with no damage.

Known conflicts between pine snakes and motorized vehicles exist in sections of the Longleaf Ridge Area of Angelina National Forest.

Species with low reproductive rates, like the Louisiana pine snake, are typically incapable of quickly recovering from events that affect population size, increasing their potential for local extinctions.

The agreement also sets up a mechanism to exchange information on successful management practices and to coordinate research efforts.

The management actions proposed by the partners in the agreement are designed to restore and protect the remaining longleaf pine forests of East Texas and western Louisiana.

Frequent, low-intensity ground fires are required to maintain the open midstory of these forests; many of the plants must literally be burnt to reproduce or grow.

The Species Survival Plan insures that the precious captive population maintained in zoos, which sits precariously at less than 100 individuals, is managed wisely and for the long term.