The information in this pdf link (beginning on page 4-572) suggests that it is not just loss of habitat that has caused the eastern Indigo's decline (specifically in Florida) but the gassing of gofer holes and over collection by the pet trade. This is the first I have heard of these theories.
http://www.fws.gov/verobeach/images/pdflibrary/eisn.pdf
The information provided in this youtube video by a Eastern Indigo breeder lends some credence in my mind to the suggestion of over collection leading to the decline of said snake.
While I appreciate this owners enthusiasm for this breed I would caution him from saying that these snakes would never bite a human. Yes, it is probably true that his well handled snake probably won't bite anyone. But it is still a animal with teeth and even a good snake can have a bad day.
Over the course of this summer semester I will be researching a threatened species of snake called the eastern indigo. This is the largest native nonvenomous snake species in the U.S.
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