Northern Black Racer
Coluber constrictor constrictor
Conservation Status:
State Status: Secure
Global Assessment: Least Concern
Photographed by Kristof Zyskowski
Description
Northern black racers are three to five feet long. They are black or gray in color with a white throat and lighter belly. They have narrow heads and bodies. Juveniles are light gray with a dark saddle pattern.
Habitat
Black racers can be found in fields, forests, or rocky slopes. They are common in both open habitats and ones with lots of cover. They also may be found near bodies of water.
Behavior
These snakes are very active and are primarily diurnal. They have extremely good vision and are very curious about their surroundings. They eat rodents, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates. When threatened, they will flee to find cover. They may also vibrate their tail to mimic a rattlesnake. When handled, they release an unpleasant smell, and are quick to bite. In June or July, they lay around twenty eggs.
Range
Present
Northern Black Racer
Photographed by David Reik
Often Confused with
Eastern Ratsnake
Photographed by Alton Spencer
Black racers have a cylindrical body shape, thin heads, and an overall slender build while ratsnakes are longer, have larger heads, and a square shaped body. Eastern ratsnakes have more white on their chins compared to racers. Black racers also lack the black checkered pattern that is found on the bellies of ratsnakes, and have smooth scales.