The Black Racer is one of the more common
non-venomous snakes in the eastern United States. It is slender, typically black, and - as the name implies -
rather speedy.
The Black Racer is a constrictor, distantly related to Boas and Anacondas. It catches its prey by grabbing it quickly in its mouth and coiling around tightly, suffocating its victim. It is a beneficial snake, reducing the population of mice and rats, while also feeding on birds, frogs, and insects.
The Black Racer is closely related to the Black Rat Snake, a stouter, slower snake. In the Southeast, the Black Racer can also be confused with the Coachwhip, another long, slender, non-venomous snake, which can be distinguished by its lighter-colored tail.
Scientific name: Coluber constrictor