The red racer snake, also known as the Masticophis flagellum, is a non-venomous snake species commonly found in North America. Its bright coloration and swift movements make it a fascinating species to observe in its natural habitat. It is slender with adults ranging from 36 to 102 inches (90 to 260 cm) long. Their scales along the back are red, tan, pink or brown, and they have black bands around the neck. The pink scales cover the underside. The long, slender body has a smooth, braided appearance like a coachman’s whip. Hence its common name. They are fast-moving snakes that are not poisonous and will sometimes eat other snakes. The snake can move up to 5.6 km per hour and disappear in a blink of an eye. Its left lung is atrophied, and the right lung is extended to the tail and has an air sac at its posterior end. This sac is used when it swallows its prey since it cannot breathe. The red racer snake can be from medium to longer sizes ranging from 90 to 260 cm.
The Arizona coral snake is a slender, small snake reaching only 13 to 21 inches (33-53 cm) in length. It is brightly colored with broad alternating bands of red and black separated by narrower bands of bright white or yellow. The bands completely encircle the body, but are paler on the belly. The red racer is known to be quite aggressive when threatened, attacked or handled. Although not venomous, the red racer will bite and is likely to attack anyone who attempts to get close. Called ophiophages (“snake-eaters”), black racers, kingsnakes, milk snakes, indigo snakes and mussuranas are all capable of turning a deadly rattlesnake into a tasty meal. It stares back at predators with its head raised over ground cover several inches above the ground. This red-belly snake is only aggressive when directly threatened. They have very few predators in the wild except perhaps for coyotes and the great horned owl.
Can red racers bite?
Red racers are aggressive when threatened. Although not venomous, they will bite. Their teeth can cause minor tissue damage but are not life-threatening to humans. However, caution is advisable with any wild snake. Some species pose a significant threat. It is important to educate yourself about the venomous species in your region.
The red-bellied snake’s total length ranges from 20 to 41 cm when fully grown. They are usually brown to reddish brown, sometimes gray or black. What happens if one bites you? Symptoms include bleeding and swelling at the bite site, nausea, vomiting, pains, sweating, muscle pains, red-brown urine.
Both red racers and San Joaquin coachwhips are coachwhip snakes found in the southern half of the U.S. Of the six subspecies, only red racers exclude “coachwhip” from their name.
The eggs are laid in early summer, ranging from 4 to 20 eggs. They hatch within 45 to 70 days. A hatchling is around 13 inches long. They can climb bushes and trees.
Besides being slender, they are known for speed. They are non-venomous but may bite if threatened. Their geographic range includes California, Nevada, Arizona, Sonora and Baja California. They live on small animals, eggs, bats and amphibians. Prey is captured, crushed or pinned, but they don’t constrict prey.
Females lay eggs in early summer, hatching in 45 to 70 days. Hatchlings measure about 13 inches long, without the black neck stripes. Younger snakes eat lizards, frogs, insects, small snakes and rodents. Adults eat small birds, eggs, squirrels, rats, mice, rabbits and carrion.
They can be found in deserts, grasslands and hills in the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico, areas without dense vegetation. They take refuge in burrows, rocks, trees and other objects. Before managing an adult diet, hatchlings prey on insects, spiders and scorpions. Treatment for a bite involves cleaning, compressing and monitoring for infection. If cornered, they may strike to protect themselves. Be aware of surroundings when in their habitats.
How fast are red racer snakes?
The red racer snake can move up to 5.6 km per hour. It is sometimes referred to as a red coachwhip snake because its tail’s scales appear braided like a whip. The snake is capable of very quick strikes. The prey is then crushed within the jaws.
This red-belly snake will locate prey with its excellent sense of smell. When it has spotted a potential source of food, it will move its head back and forth.
The snake is only aggressive when directly threatened. They have very few predators in the wild. Red racers are known to be aggressive when threatened. Although not venomous, the red racer will bite.
“They may chase you to try to get you out of their territory. They might chase you three or four feet, even if you go a mile, but it will dart out at you and put up an act to defend its territory.”
Red Racers eat lizards, grasshoppers, small mammals, birds, eggs, and even carrion.
The Red Racer Snake is a non-venomous species of snake. It is a member of the Colubridae family. It can be found in grasslands, deserts, woodlands, and farmlands. However, they can also be found in northern Mexico.
The Red Racer Snake is known by several names, such as the Blow Snake, Coachwhip, and Whip Snake. However, its most common name is the Red Racer Snake, named after its speed and coloration.
Despite its name, it does not possess venom. However, it still possesses adaptations that make it an efficient predator. Its speed allows it to chase down its prey.
The red racer is a fast snake that races along the ground. It has a long, slender body with a smooth, braided appearance.
It is the fastest snake in the desert moving at up to 7 mph. It can reach up to 6 feet long. It is non-venomous. Its bite can tear flesh and should be avoided.
Unlike most snakes, it can climb trees effortlessly. Scientists believe it has camouflage abilities to blend with its surroundings.
They are fast snakes that can move at 4 mph. Red coachwhips feed on eggs, birds, lizards, snakes, rodents and mammals. Hatchlings feed on insects, spiders or scorpions.
Do red racer snakes eat mice?
The red racer snake is also referred to as a coachwhip snake. Red racers are aggressive predators that live on small animals. They eat mice, lizards, birds and their eggs, bats, amphibians and carrion.
Female red racers lay eggs in early summer that hatch in 45 to 70 days. The hatchlings are about 13 inches long. Younger snakes eat lizards, insects and small rodents. Adults eat small birds, eggs, squirrels, rats and mice.
Red racer snakes are native to southern California, Arizona and Nevada. This is a commonly viewed snake within the Mojave Desert. Its diet consists of lizards, snakes, mice and birds.
The red racer snake can climb trees and bushes. It has an organ that senses odor from the air. The red racer crawls with its head raised over ground cover.
The red racer or coachwhip snake belongs to the Colubridae family with the scientific name Masticophis flagellum piceus. It possesses adaptations like speed and agility that allow it to chase down small mammals, birds, lizards and frogs.