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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 the best way to handle the situation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How Wildout Animal and Pest Control Can Help You

We are a professional wildlife removal company in Central Florida. Our team specializes in safely handling and removing Southern Black Racers and other wildlife from residential and commercial properties. With years of experience, we use humane and effective methods to manage wildlife concerns while ensuring the safety of your property. If you need assistance identifying, removing, or preventing snakes on your property, we are here to help.

Conclusion

The Southern Black Racer is a common snake in Central Florida. While non-venomous, its speed and appearance can cause concern for homeowners. Understanding how to identify this snake, recognizing signs of its presence, and knowing its behavior can help you stay informed and take necessary precautions.

FAQs

Are Southern Black Racers dangerous?

No, Southern Black Racers are non-venomous and not dangerous to humans. However, they may bite if threatened.

What should I do if I see a Southern Black Racer on my property?

If you spot a Southern Black Racer, it’s best to leave it alone. These snakes are beneficial as they help control pests. If you need it removed, consider calling a professional wildlife removal service.

How can I prevent Southern Black Racers from coming onto my property?

Keep your yard well-maintained, remove clutter, seal any small gaps around your home, and reduce food sources like rodents and insects.

Do Southern Black Racers chase people?

No, these snakes do not chase people. Their quick movements may make it seem like they are coming toward you, but they are usually trying to escape.

Where do Southern Black Racers hide?

They prefer tall grass, bushes, wooded areas, and spaces near water sources. They may also enter garages, sheds, or other sheltered spots.