They are called "racers" because they are active, fast moving snakes. Usually, these snakes quickly slither to the safety of thick grass or brush when encountered. If cornered or grasped, they will bite viciously in defense. In South Carolina there are two subspecies of racers: northern (Coluber c. constrictor) and southern (Coluber c. priapus). Outwardly these subspecies are essentially identical. The northern subspecies is generally found above the fall line and the southern subspecies below. The species scientific name "constrictor" is a mistake. Racers are not constricting snakes.
Ten Facts about Northern Black Racer
- Black Racers are slender black snakes of adult size from 30 to 60 inches in length.
- Racers breed from April to May and lay 5 to 25 eggs between June and August.
- The egg shells have small bumps , resembling salt, that distinguish them from all other snake eggs in North Carolina.
- The eggs usually hatch in August or early September.
- Racers will eat almost anything they can catch , including rodents, amphibians , lizards, birds, insects, turtles, and other snakes , even other racers.
- Most common in open areas such as fields , farms , and wetland margins .
- Males become sexually mature in 1 to 2 years
- They can live up to 10-12 years.
- females mature slower, approximately 2 to 3 years.
- Small mammals, hawks, birds, snakes, are their predators.
