Coluber constrictor priapus

Southern Black Racer

Florida Distribution: most of state.

Identification: up to 1.8 M. Slender, black, white chin, fast moving, and likely to strike repeatedly if handled. Though they'll bite when handled, they are not dangerous. Especially if left alone. Among other things it eats rats and mice so they are always good to have around.

Getting one of these snakes to remain still long enough for a picture is a miracle.

Alert and on the prowl.

Young snake before color change.

This snake is slightly agitated. The head is puffed out and it began beating its tail in the grass.

Black Racer eating a Southern Leopard Frog Rana sphenocephala.