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Information on Snakes | Information and Illustrations of Specific Snakes
Snakes of Massachusetts
Black Racer Snake
Coluber constrictor (36-60", up to 73")
Adult Black Racer
Juvenile Black Racer
The racer is the only large, black snake in New England with smooth scales. Its chin, throat and jaw are white
or gray and the belly is generally dark (gray, bluish, or black) from
the throat back. Smooth scales give
this snake a silky or satin-like appearance. A juvenile racer is gray
with large brown, black or reddish blotches down the back, small spots
along the sides and large dark eyes. The pattern fades with age, disappearing
when the snake reaches 25-30 inches in length.
Racers mate in the spring, and females deposit 10-12 eggs in small mammal burrows,
under rocks or logs, or in mulch piles or rotting logs. Eggs laid in
June or July normally hatch in August and September.
Black racers are common snakes that utilize a variety of habitats including
rocky ledges, pastures, overgrown fields, dry or moist woodlands and
the edges of wetlands. Small mammals, other snakes and insects are preferred
food items, although racers take a wide variety of prey. They will even
feed on young of their own species. Active primarily during the day,
racers are commonly seen as they bask on shrubs, rocks, ledges and roads,
and are tolerant of summer temperatures that would drive other snakes
to seek shelter. Aptly named, racers are very fast and typically flee
from danger. However, once cornered they put up a vigorous fight, biting
hard and often. Rattling their tails among dry leaves, racers can sound
convincingly like rattlesnakes. If captured
they are difficult to handle and will writhe, defecate and spray musk
in an attempt to escape.
More Information on Black Racer
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