Northern Black Racer

Coluber constrictor constrictor

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Satiny black (not shiny) above and below except white chin and throat. This snake differs from the southern black racer only in internal characteristics. Adult at 4 to 5 feet in length, occasionally a bit longer. Oviparous. Hatchlings are lighter than the adults and are strongly patterned with darker dorsal saddles. Scales are smooth, in 17 rows to and beyond midbody, and 15 rows posteriorly. Anal scale is divided. Pupil round

 

Unique Features:

Where ranges abut or overlap, the various subspecies of this snake often interbreed. The resulting offspring may mature into differently colored adults. Additionally, the hatchlings are lighter than the adults and usually strongly patterned with darker dorsal saddles or crossbands. Aptly named, these fast snakes often hunt by “periscoping,” their head held well above the grasses or weeds in which they are searching for their prey of lizards, frogs, baby turtles, small snakes, and the nestlings of ground dwelling birds or mammals. As would befit snakes with such hunting techniques, the eyes are large and vision is acute When defensive, racers often shake or vibrate their tail. When amidst dead leaves and grasses this produces a sound somewhat similar to that of a disturbed rattlesnake

 

Habitat and Diet:

Open fields, meadows, yards, and other such habitats. When preparing to shed they often seek seclusion beneath ground-surface debris. Their prey is made up of lizards, frogs, baby turtles, small snakes, and the nestlings of ground dwelling birds or mammals.

 

Geographic Range:

GA, SC, AL, NC, TN, KY, WV, RI, NY, NH, VT, CT, ME, MD, MA, TX, NJ, OH, PA