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North American Racer
Scientific Name: Coluber constrictor
Also Known As: Subspecies: Southern Black Racer, Black-masked Racer, Yellow-bellied Racer, Tan Racer, Buttermilk Ra
Terrestrial
Native
Nonvenomous
A medium-larger snake - 20-65 inches. Shiny black with white throats in the Florida Parishes; gray with black masks and whitish undersides in the Mississippi Valley and low areas of the southeastern part of the state; tan to olive with whitish or yellow bellies in the southwestern part of the state; slate-gray or blue-gray with pale spots and white bellies in the uplands of central and northern Louisiana. Juveniles are pale gray with a row of reddish brown spots down the back and smaller spots on the sides; they lose this pattern during their second year. Scales are smooth and in 17 rows.
Range and Habitat
Found statewide in almost every nonaquatic habitat. Prefer open country and partially open woodlands but also found in forests.
Behavior
Readily climb shrubs and low trees. Bite vigorously when captured and are often territorial in early spring, so much so that they have been known to stand their ground rather than flee when confronted by humans. Feed on a variety of prey including insects, frogs, lizards, smaller snakes, and occasionally rodents, small birds, and bird eggs. Lay 6 to 29 eggs.
Population Status
All five subspecies populations are considered stable within the state.