Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)

Non-poisonous and widespread (except at higher elevations), Black Racers are one of the most commonly encountered diurnal snakes in NC. They are constrictors and prey on a variety of small animals. They usually rapidly crawl away when humans come across them while out hiking.

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) Durham Co., NC 6 Apr 2008
	Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) Durham Co., NC 6 Apr 2008
	Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) Durham Co., NC 6 Apr 2008

	Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) Durham Co., NC 1 Apr 2007 Young racers show a faint pattern of small blotches.
	Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) Durham Co., NC 1 Apr 2007

Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)
Dare Co., NC
7 Nov 2008

Nestled in Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria), like Rat Snakes, racers are also good climbers and enjoy dining on bird eggs and nestlings.

Back to Jeff's Herps Page | Back to Jeff's Nature Page

Created on ... Sep 6, 2004 | Updated on ... July 11, 2008 | jspippen@duke.edu