Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)

Non-venomous and widespread (except at higher elevations), Black Racers are one of the most commonly encountered diurnal snakes in NC. They prey on a variety of small animals. They usually rapidly crawl ("race") away when humans come across them while out hiking.
Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)
Craven Co., NC
29 Aug 2004
Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)
Craven Co., NC
29 Aug 2004

note smooth scales
Black Rat Snakes have a "rougher" look because they have keeled scales.

Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)
Durham Co., NC
1 Apr 2007

Young racers show a faint pattern of small blotches.

Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)
Durham Co., NC
1 Apr 2007

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Created on ... Sep 6, 2004 | Updated on ... Apr 1, 2007 | jspippen@duke.edu