The southern black racer is a common subspecies found in the Southeastern United States. These non-venomous snakes prefer open areas and are excellent climbers. Instead of using venom, they crush prey into the ground and swallow it whole. Their slender bodies reach 20-48 inches in length. Juveniles appear grayish with a blotchy pattern which transitions to a glossy, solid black as adults.
Known for incredible speed, the southern black racer is one of the fastest snakes in North America, reaching up to 8 miles per hour. This impressive agility relies on active pursuit of prey like insects, frogs, lizards, eggs, and small mammals. While formidable predators, they remain timid by nature and mostly harmless if not threatened.
Often mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth, the black racer lacks the white lining inside the mouth. They also do not interbreed. Humans are the greatest threat, with many killed on roads or out of fear. Understanding the black racer is non-venomous is important. No Connecticut venomous snake has an all-black back. Although sometimes aggressive if startled or cornered, no snake deliberately attacks humans.
Are black racers good to have around?
The black racer is harmless and beneficial. It eats pests yet is protected by law. If threatened, it tries retreating. Though harmless, its bite, meant to release itself when handled, is painful.
Between March and August, females lay up to 23 eggs. Once hatched, the six inch long young receive no parental care.
Since nonvenomous, black racers are protected by law in Georgia. Their top speed, while reaching only 8-10 mph, allows escaping slower rodents.
Both racers and rat snakes eat mice, rats, and rodents, helping on farms and backyards. They live in trees, logs, and underground holes.
Though painful, nonvenomous black racer bites will not kill domestic animals. The snakes actively hunt rodents during daylight hours.
If bitten, clean the wound. Ammonia deters snakes; put some on a rug in a bag. Remove attractive habitat and food sources to deter them from yards.
Racers breed in spring with females laying up to 36 eggs in early summer, hatching in fall. Though receiving no care from the female, they hatch in six to eight weeks if not eaten by predators.
Despite lacking venom, black racer bites can be very painful. They vary in temperament with some more aggressive. They make poor captives as they rarely become docile.
Black rat snakes have blotched patterns on black backs whereas black racers are uniform black with white chins.
Found climbing on houses and in trees, black racers are often confused with venomous cottonmouths, but are harmless.
If bitten by a snake, call 911 and try to stay calm. Black rat snakes are beneficial pest controllers, so farmers appreciate their presence.
Are black racers aggressive?
Both species only bite humans when threatened, or when humans attempt to handle them. Black racers can be aggressive. They are notorious for this. If approached, a black racer generally freezes first to avoid detection. If startled or cornered, it may strike in self-defense. Black racers are not venomous but will bite if threatened. They’re more likely to flee at the first sign of trouble than engage in a confrontation.
Black racers have slender, glossy black bodies. They can reach speeds of 8-10 mph. Black racers look similar to other black snakes, but are skinner. They eat insects, small mammals, birds, lizards, amphibians, and snakes. Their diet is diverse. While their name might sound intimidating, black racers aren’t aggressive by nature. Most incidents of black racers biting dogs occur when the dog initiates the encounter. Black racers are longer and thinner than copperheads. Copperheads are shorter and fatter. Copperheads have tan bodies with brown hourglass markings. Black racers are almost solid black. Black racers are nonvenomous but copperheads have potent venom. Black rat snakes have shiny black scales with blotched patterns and white bellies. Black racers have dull, uniform black scales except white chins.
Black racers won’t keep other snakes away but may eat them. They sometimes hibernate with rattlesnakes and copperheads. The inland taipan is considered the most venomous snake. Titanoboa is the largest snake recorded in history. It could challenge T-Rex. If they feel threatened by a dog, black racers may bite in self-defense. They prefer to flee when encountered. However they become defensive if trapped. Known for speed and agility, black racers pose little threat to humans.
What happens if a black racer bites you?
The black racer is a harmless, non-venomous snake. It tries to retreat if threatened. The black racer may bite repeatedly if handled until released. This snake is protected by law in Georgia and may not be captured or killed.
The black racer has a slender body covered with smooth scales, large eyes with round pupils, and needle-sharp teeth. Some cultures believe a snake entering a house means symbolic death and rebirth.
The black racer is harmless. It is sometimes confused with the cottonmouth. A bite causes no harm, but it will bite. Black racers try to freeze first to avoid detection. They may imitate a rattlesnake by drumming their tail if scared.
Black racers are dull black with white chins. Black rat snakes have shiny black skin with light blotched patterns. If bitten by a black racer, get to a hospital quickly since the venom is potent.
Black racers eat mammals and birds. Females lay up to 23 eggs. Babies have gray, brown, or red scales their first year. This shy snake moves away when threatened.
The black racer is very fast and an accomplished climber. It climbs trees rapidly when cornered. The black racer does not chase people but speeds away if possible. If cornered, it will fight.
Black racers do not make good pets. They need space, do not thrive in small habitats, and rarely become tame. Treat a black racer bite by cleansing it and wrapping it to limit movement. Antivenom treats venomous snake bites.