Non-poisonous Snakes Identification

Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)

Slender & long. Adults typically 36 to 60" in length. Satiny black color. White chin & throat. Similar snakes are the black rat, which has keeled scales on back and black kingsnake which is more glossy, has more scale rows, and has a heavier body

Black racers are common snakes that utilize a variety of habitats including rocky ledges, pastures, overgrown fields, dry or moist woodlands and the edges of wetlands. Small mammals, other snakes and insects are preferred food items, although racers take a wide variety of prey. They will even feed on young of their own species. Active primarily during the day, racers are commonly seen as they bask on shrubs, rocks, ledges and roads, and are tolerant of summer temperatures that would drive other snakes to seek shelter. Aptly named, racers are very fast and typically flee from danger. However, once cornered they put up a vigorous fight, biting hard and often. Rattling their tails among dry leaves, racers can sound convincingly like rattlesnakes. If captured they are difficult to handle and will writhe, defecate and spray musk in an attempt to escape.

Eats rodents, small birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, insects.