The Southern
Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) is the most common snake in
my yard. It is non-venemous. I've seen them
almost 5 feet in length. They feed on the whole gamut of small prey. They are frequently seen because they are active in the daytime (Diurnal).
almost 5 feet in length. They feed on the whole gamut of small prey. They are frequently seen because they are active in the daytime (Diurnal).
They are good climbers and
swimmers. Some can fly. Just kidding. I was checking
to see if you were
paying attention. They will rob bird nests. I've seen them in azalea bushes and trees with thick foliage.
paying attention. They will rob bird nests. I've seen them in azalea bushes and trees with thick foliage.
They can travel with their head raised. They are incredibly fasst and difficult to catch.
They have a sleek, dry skin that is usually jet black.
Come here often babe?
Probably colorblind, this racer approaches a green garden hose.
I'm told they make
disappointing pets. As with all snakes, they have nothing to gain
by attacking humans
but they will briefly stand their ground and even strike when confronted. They will then quickly retreat.
but they will briefly stand their ground and even strike when confronted. They will then quickly retreat.
Man and cars remain the enemy
of racers. Large predators and birds of prey also take their
toll. Humans often kill racers
out of fear or ignorance. The white chin and black skin gets them mistaken for Cottonmouths—a venomous snake.
out of fear or ignorance. The white chin and black skin gets them mistaken for Cottonmouths—a venomous snake.
A shed skin
OTHER SNAKES AND SNAKE-LIKE CREATURES
A young racer or Corn Snake or...I just don't know.
I believe this may be a Hognose snake.
A Legless Lizard—it has ears and eyelids.
OTHER SNAKES AND SNAKE-LIKE CREATURES
A young racer or Corn Snake or...I just don't know.
I believe this may be a Hognose snake.
A Legless Lizard—it has ears and eyelids.
Close-up of a Legless
Lizard—they are also called Glass Snakes or Glass Lizards.
Next: THINGS ARE LOOKING UP Click: BIRDS
Backyard
Snakes Alive
Birds
Insects
Mammals
Reptiles
Amphibians
Plants
Additions
I welcome information on
identifying the 2 snakes I'm not sure of above. I've yet to see a
venomous snake in my third of an acre. I thought I heard a rattle
once but racers and other snakes will vibrate their tails in dry grass or leaves when scared. I've seen a few other snakes but didn't have a camera handy.
once but racers and other snakes will vibrate their tails in dry grass or leaves when scared. I've seen a few other snakes but didn't have a camera handy.
Next: THINGS ARE LOOKING UP Click: BIRDS
Backyard
Snakes Alive
Birds
Insects
Mammals
Reptiles
Amphibians
Plants
Additions