By the time the young snakes are about 12 inches (30 cm) long, the black spots merge and form the solid black coloration seen in adults. They are often spotted with tan, black, and white coloration.
They are a less conspicuous color than the bold black adult snakes. Left to fend for themselves, the baby snakes will rely heavily on camouflage in their early days. Like most reptiles, adult snakes do not provide any care for their young. They are about 6 inches (15 cm) long at the time of birth. Later that summer or fall, the small, snakes will emerge from their shells. A black racer snake pokes its head out from the grass ReproductionĮach spring, Black racer snake females lay about 20 eggs at a time. Nonetheless, their populations remain fairly strong and the species is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Many black racers are killed by vehicles on roadways while others are killed out of fear or mistaking them for a dangerous snake, such as the Water Moccasin snake that also occurs in its range. However, like most species, humans are perhaps their greatest threats. Their eggs are also at risk from various animals like raccoons and foxes who will invade their nests when given the opportunity. Also, birds of prey such as hawks are known to attack them from the sky. Black racer snakes face the threat of being preyed upon by various mammals and other snakes and reptiles larger than them. They will also eat various small mammals such as moles and other rodents. Predator and Preyīlack racers will hunt various small animals such as insects, other snakes and lizards, and even frogs. Black racers are habitat generalists but prefer to spend their time around the edges of forests, fields, or wetlands hunting and hiding in the grass and other vegetation. Within this range, there are various subspecies. Black racer snakes have dark cobalt scalesīlack racer snakes can be found from throughout the American southeast, from southern Maine to the Florida keys. Racers typically grow to between 20-60 inches (51-160 cm) long, making it a relatively large snake. The rest of their underside is dark grey or black, but typically lighter than their dorsal side. They have large eyes and typically some white coloration on the underside of their heads. Black racers have long, smooth, slender bodies with solid black or dark grey scales. Smaller snakes, rodents, amphibians, insects, lizardsīirds of prey, larger snakes, rodents, amphibians, lizardsīlack racer snake ( Coluber constrictor) refers to several subspecies of large, black, non-venomous snakes common in the southern United States.
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