The Southern Black Racer is one of the most common snakes in Central Florida. Although non-venomous, its quick movements and dark appearance often cause concern for homeowners and business owners. Knowing how to identify this snake and understanding its behavior is important for anyone who wants to keep their property safe.

At Wildout Animal and Pest Removal, we specialize in handling snake encounters, including the fast-moving Southern Black Racer. In this article, we will explain how to identify this snake, where you’re likely to find it, and why calling a professional for removal is the safest option.

Identifying the Southern Black Racer

The Southern Black Racer has several distinct features that set it apart from other species in the area. Here are some traits that can help you identify one:

1. Size

Fully grown Southern Black Racers typically reach lengths between 3 and 5 feet, although some grow larger. Their long, slender bodies make them fast and agile, which is why they are difficult to capture. Juvenile Black Racers are much shorter, starting around 6 to 12 inches at birth. They grow quickly and often double in length during their first year.

2. Coloration

The adult Southern Black Racer has a glossy black body with a light gray or sometimes pale cream underbelly that runs the length of the snake. This lighter belly provides a subtle contrast to the snake’s otherwise dark appearance. Its most distinguishing feature is its white chin and throat, which stand out sharply against its black body. Juveniles look very different, displaying blotches of brown and gray that help them blend into their surroundings. As they grow older, these markings fade, and they develop the sleek, solid black look typical of adults.

3. Speed

Speed is a defining characteristic of the Southern Black Racer. Their name comes from their ability to move quickly when threatened. These snakes dart through tall grass or brush, making them hard to follow or catch. Their fast movements often startle people, causing them to flee before realizing what they’re looking at.

4. Head Shape and Eyes

The Southern Black Racer’s head is narrow and blends seamlessly into its slender body. Its round pupils distinguish it from venomous pit vipers, which have vertical, cat-like pupils. This subtle difference can help homeowners feel more confident that the snake they’re dealing with is non-venomous.

Knowing these traits makes it easier to identify the Southern Black Racer.

Where You’re Likely to Encounter Southern Black Racers in Central Florida

Southern Black Racers are highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments. They are often found in rural, suburban, and even urban areas. Knowing where these snakes are likely to appear can help you prepare for an encounter and take steps to avoid one.

1. Gardens and Yards

Southern Black Racers are often seen in backyards, especially those with overgrown plants or gardens. They prefer environments with thick grass, bushes, or other forms of cover that provide them protection while hunting small animals. Homeowners are likely to spot these snakes gliding through gardens or resting on sun-warmed surfaces like patios or walkways.

2. Wooded Areas and Brush

In rural areas, Southern Black Racers thrive in wooded environments. They are commonly found in forests or near dense brush, where they have many places to hide. The snake’s dark coloration helps it blend into its surroundings, making it difficult to see unless it moves. If your property borders wooded areas, you are more likely to encounter one.

3. Near Water Sources

Southern Black Racers are often found near lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands. These environments attract the snake’s preferred prey, such as frogs and small fish. Homeowners near these water sources may encounter these snakes more frequently, especially as they search for food or shelter.

4. Urban Areas

Although these snakes prefer natural habitats, Southern Black Racers are adaptable enough to survive in urban environments. They sometimes enter garages, sheds, or homes searching for food or to escape the heat. They can slip through small gaps or cracks, so it is important to seal any potential entry points around your home.

By understanding where Southern Black Racers are most likely to appear, you can take steps to reduce the risk of encountering one.

Signs of Southern Black Racers on Your Property

Spotting a Southern Black Racer is often the most direct way to know they’re on your property. However, there are other signs that can help you identify their presence. Recognizing these clues can help you determine when to call for professional assistance.

1. Sightings of the Snake

The most obvious sign of a Southern Black Racer is seeing one on your property. These snakes are active during the day, especially when hunting for prey or basking in the sun. They are typically found moving quickly through yards, gardens, or open spaces.

2. Shed Snakeskin

Like all snakes, Southern Black Racers shed their skin as they grow. Finding shed skin on your property is a common sign that a snake is nearby. The skin is long, thin, and tubular, closely matching the snake’s body shape. It often appears as a nearly complete casing of the snake, including the head, eye caps, and scales, with the texture being thin and papery. The skin may look translucent or pale, with distinct ridges where the snake’s scales were. It is typically left behind in areas like tall grass, under bushes, or near warm, dry places like patios or rocks where the snake may bask.

3. Eggs

Southern Black Racers lay eggs, which may be found on your property during spring or summer. These eggs are usually hidden in warm, soft areas like loose soil, compost piles, or under debris. The eggs are small, white, and leathery in texture, and a clutch can contain 6 to 20 eggs. Within 2 to 3 months, the young snakes will hatch. If you find these eggs, it’s likely that there are Southern Black Racers nearby.

4. Snake Tracks

You may notice snake tracks in loose soil, mud, or sand on your property. These tracks look like wavy, narrow lines and indicate that a snake has recently moved through the area. While not as common as other signs, snake tracks can still be a clue that Southern Black Racers are active on your property.

5. Sighting Juvenile Snakes

Juvenile Southern Black Racers look quite different from adults, often displaying blotched patterns of brown, gray, or reddish hues. These patterns help camouflage them in natural surroundings, such as leaf litter or undergrowth. If you spot a small, fast-moving, patterned snake on your property, it could be a young Southern Black Racer. These juveniles are usually more cautious than adults, relying on their markings to avoid predators. As they mature, they grow quickly, and their coloration changes to the solid black typical of adults. Spotting these patterned juveniles can indicate that adult Southern Black Racers are likely nearby, as the juveniles stay close to their birthplace during early development.

Recognizing these signs early can help you address the issue before it escalates. If you notice any of these indicators, contacting a professional removal service like Wildout Animal and Pest Removal is the best way to keep your property safe. A professional can assess the situation, remove the snake, and offer advice to prevent future occurrences.

The Behavior of the Southern Black Racer

Understanding the behavior of the Southern Black Racer is crucial for determining how to deal with one if it shows up on your property. This snake’s behavior differs from other local species, which helps you recognize when you’re dealing with a Southern Black Racer.

1. Diet

Southern Black Racers are carnivores. They feed on a wide variety of small animals. Their diet includes rodents, lizards, frogs, birds, and insects. This makes them beneficial in controlling pests around your home or garden. While having a Black Racer nearby might reduce your rodent population, their presence can still cause alarm.

2. Hunting Style

Unlike other snakes that ambush their prey, Southern Black Racers actively hunt. They use their speed and sharp vision to chase down and capture their prey. This hunting style means they are frequently seen on the move, especially during the day. Their active approach makes them more visible than other snakes, increasing the chances of an encounter.

3. Defensive Behavior

Southern Black Racers prefer to escape when threatened, but they will defend themselves if necessary. They often shake their tails in dry leaves to create a sound similar to a rattlesnake’s rattle, which can scare off predators. If cornered, they may bite, although their bite is non-venomous and typically only causes minor injuries.

4. Daytime Activity

Southern Black Racers are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They often sunbathe in open areas to regulate their body temperature. Homeowners are more likely to see them during daylight hours, especially in warm weather when the snakes are out hunting or basking.

Understanding the behavior of the Southern Black Racer can help you assess whether the snake poses a threat and how to manage the situation effectively.

The Risks of Trying to Remove a Southern Black Racer on Your Own

Although the Southern Black Racer is non-venomous, attempting to remove it yourself presents several risks. These snakes are fast, unpredictable, and can become defensive when threatened. Here’s why handling a Southern Black Racer on your own can be risky.

1. Speed and Evasion

Southern Black Racers are incredibly fast. When they feel threatened, they dart away into thick grass, bushes, or under structures. Their speed makes them difficult to catch, and they often escape into hard-to-reach places like under decks or inside walls. Attempting to catch one without proper experience can result in the snake hiding in a difficult spot.

2. Bites

While Southern Black Racers are non-venomous, they can still bite when cornered. Their sharp teeth can puncture the skin, leading to pain and a risk of infection. Handling them improperly can increase the chance of a defensive bite, making it risky for anyone without experience in snake handling. Additionally, pets may try to confront the snake, putting them at risk of being bitten.

3. Property Damage

Trying to remove a snake yourself can lead to property damage. In an effort to chase the snake, homeowners may knock over garden furniture, damage plants, or even tear up parts of their property while trying to flush the snake out of its hiding spot. This unintentional damage can be costly to repair, especially if the snake escapes and returns later.

For these reasons, it’s best to rely on professionals who have the tools and expertise to safely remove the snake without putting you, your pets, or your property at risk.

Why Professional Southern Black Racer Removal Is the Best Option

Wildout Animal and Pest Removal offers expert snake removal services tailored to the needs of Central Florida homeowners. Here’s why calling in professionals is your safest and most effective option when dealing with a Southern Black Racer.

1. Expert Knowledge and Equipment

Our team understands the behaviors and habitats of Southern Black Racers, which is crucial for proper removal. In addition to our knowledge, we use specialized tools designed for safe and efficient snake capture. These tools allow us to secure the snake without causing harm to you, your pets, or the animal. By combining our expertise with the right equipment, we can quickly assess each situation and implement the best removal strategy.

2. Compliance with Wildlife Regulations

At Wildout Animal and Pest Removal, we prioritize safety and compliance with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations. We follow strict guidelines for the humane handling and relocation of snakes. Our methods focus on minimizing stress for the snake, ensuring it is safely captured without injury.

3. Prevention Services

After removing the snake, we provide advice on how to prevent future snake encounters. This might include inspecting your property for potential entry points and offering tips on how to keep your yard less attractive to snakes. Wildout also offers ongoing snake control programs to ensure long-term protection against future snake activity.

4. Peace of Mind

Hiring professionals gives you peace of mind that the situation has been handled correctly. You won’t have to worry about the snake returning or causing more problems.

Choosing professional snake removal means avoiding the risks and challenges of trying to handle the situation on your own.

Preventing Southern Black Racers from Entering Your Property

While professional removal is necessary if a snake has already entered your property, you can take preventive steps to reduce the chances of future encounters with Southern Black Racers.

1. Seal Entry Points

Check for small gaps or cracks around your home’s foundation, doors, and windows. Southern Black Racers can slip through small openings, so it’s important to seal any potential entry points. Use caulk, weather stripping, or mesh to block off smaller gaps. For larger holes, more durable materials like steel or concrete are best. This prevents snakes from getting inside your home or garage.

2. Keep Your Yard Clean

Snakes are attracted to cluttered yards where they can find both food and shelter. Keep your yard tidy by trimming tall grass, clearing out woodpiles, and removing excess debris. These efforts reduce the hiding spots snakes rely on and also limit the number of small animals, like rodents and insects, that may attract them.

3. Install Snake-Proof Barriers

Consider installing barriers around your yard or garden, especially if you live in an area where snakes are common. These barriers should extend at least 12 inches underground to prevent snakes from burrowing beneath them. Snake-proof fencing or fine mesh can create an effective barrier that keeps Southern Black Racers out of your outdoor spaces.

4. Control Rodent Populations

Since Southern Black Racers hunt small animals, reducing the presence of their prey can make your property less attractive to them. Implement rodent control measures such as sealing food sources, setting traps, and keeping garbage bins secure. By managing the rodent population, you remove a key food source for the snakes, making them less likely to hang around.

By taking these steps, you can make your home or business a less inviting environment for snakes and reduce the chances of needing future removal services.

Contact Wildout Animal and Pest Removal for Professional Snake Removal

If you spot a snake on your property, don’t attempt to remove it on your own. Wildout Animal and Pest Removal offers professional snake removal services throughout Central Florida. Our team of experts can safely handle the snake. With our knowledge and experience, you can rest easy knowing the problem is handled with care and professionalism.

Call Wildout Animal and Pest Removal today to schedule an inspection or removal service. We’re ready to help you with any snake encounter, so your home or business stays safe!

Contact Us:

Wildout Animal and Pest Removal

Lakeland

863-315-WILD (315-9453)

Orlando

407-465-WILD (465-9453)

Tampa

813-WILDOUT (945-3688)

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