NON-VENOMOUS
Other common names
Black Racer, Racer
Basic description
Most adult North American Racers are about 20-56 inches (50-142 cm) in total length. This is a long and slender snake with large and prominent eyes. Adults are black or bluish/black with white or whitish markings on the chin and throat. Juveniles are gray with distinct reddish-brown blotches running down the back of the head and body.
Adult North American Racer periscoping and showing its white chin. Photo courtesy of Bester Photo.
Adult North American Racer close up of head with large eye and white chin. Photo courtesy of Bester Photo.
The immature adult pattern of the North American Racer. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.
Juvenile pattern on a North American Racer. Photo courtesy of Coleman Sheehy.
Range in Florida
North American racers are found throughout mainland Florida in every county. They also occur on the Florida Keys.
Assessment of risk to people and pets
Non-Venomous. North American racers are not dangerous to people or pets, but they will readily bite to defend themselves. Racers are not aggressive and avoid direct contact with people and pets. Virtually all bites occur when the snakes are intentionally molested.
Comparison with other species
Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) Non-venomous
Eastern Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) Non-venomous
Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) Non-venomous
Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) Venomous
Share your observations
You can help scientists better understand the biology and distribution of this species by sharing your observations. Send photos or videos of interesting observations, along with associated information, by emailing the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum for documentation in the Museum’s Herpetology Master Database. You can also post your observations on iNaturalist.
Additional helpful information
Do you have snakes around your house? Learn how to safely co-exist with snakes.
Still have questions about snakes or identifications? Feel free to email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum with your questions or feedback on this profile.
Banner photo courtesy of Luke Smith. Please credit any photographers on the page and see our copyright policy.
