The black racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) is a common snake species found throughout the eastern United States. Despite the unwarranted fear that many people have of snakes, black racers play an important role in the ecosystem, particularly in controlling pest populations. This article delves into the details of the black racer's diet, habitat, behavior, and conservation status, providing a comprehensive overview of this fascinating reptile.
Identification
Black racers are relatively large, slender snakes, reaching up to 152 cm (60 in) in length. Adult black racers are uniformly black with smooth scales, large eyes, and often a white chin. The venter is dark gray to black. Their smooth scales give them a silky or satin-like appearance.
It's important to distinguish them from other large black snakes, such as rat snakes, kingsnakes, coachwhips, or dark hognose snakes. Racers are more slender, lack keeled scales, and do not have the upturned snout characteristic of hognose snakes. Behaviorally, racers tend to flee quickly when approached, or may strike defensively, while rat snakes, kingsnakes, and hognose snakes tend to freeze.
Juvenile black racers look entirely different from adults. They are tan or gray with reddish-brown blotches down the back, small spots along the sides and large dark eyes.
Range and Habitat
Black racers are found throughout the eastern United States, from southern Maine to the Florida Keys. They are common throughout the Southeast, including Georgia and South Carolina, and can be found in nearly all habitats. 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. They go anywhere the food is, including wetlands, waterways, forests, and fields. They tend to be found on farmland as well.
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Habits and Behavior
Racers are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are highly active and rely on vision to hunt, often observed foraging in daylight. Agile and fast-moving, racers are aptly named, typically fleeing from danger. However, once cornered they put up a vigorous fight, biting hard and often. They are capable climbers and sometimes roost in shrubs or small trees at night. At night, they sleep in burrows or even in the trees. At night or during cool weather, they shelter in burrows, stumps, or under cover objects.
Black racers are very territorial and defensive. So while they will try to escape, they’re also not afraid to defend themselves. They are speedy and would rather flee than fight - until they’re cornered. Then, they will strike and ferociously defend their territory. Rattling their tails among dry leaves, racers can sound convincingly like rattlesnakes.
Diet
The diet of the black racer is broad and opportunistic. 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. Due to their size, black racers can and do eat all sorts of critters - even other snakes! They also eat lizards, frogs, and of course rodents. Black racers are muscular, fast snakes that ambush their prey. Unlike some snakes that lie in wait, black racers will actively hunt for their prey. They swallow their prey alive without constriction.
Reproduction
Racers mate in the spring, and females deposit 10-12 eggs in small mammal burrows, under rocks or logs, or in mulch piles or rotting logs. Females lay up to 36 eggs in early summer.
Predators
Predators of black racers include birds of prey, mammals, kingsnakes, and larger racers.
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Conservation Status and Human Interaction
Black racers are common and widespread. They are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to control populations of rodents, lizards, frogs, and insects.
While black racers are non-venomous, their bites still hurt and, as with any animal bite, can become infected. A black racer bite is not venomous but can definitely be painful. They are not constrictor snakes, so they rely on their strong jaws - and you don’t want to be on the receiving end of those! Also, they tend to produce a foul musk to ward off predators. Always give a black racer space if you see it.
Ideally, you leave them in wild places or agricultural properties where they keep populations of amphibians and rodents under control. If you run across a black racer, it’s always best to let them get back to their day. If you do need one removed from your property, always bring in a qualified professional! Never attempt to capture or kill a black racer yourself, as that’s when most bites happen.
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