Black Racer Coluber constrictor

The black racer which is sometimes referred to as a black runner is solid black with a lighter colored belly and a white chin. Reaching a length of up to six feet, the black racer is long, slender and built for speed. Occupying a variety of habitats such as agricultural fields, brushy areas and forests with sparse undergrowth, it crawls about during the day with its head held high searching diligently for its next meal. Prey items of the black racer include a wide variety of animals such as insects, rodents, birds, lizards and other snakes such as smaller racers and even pigmy rattlesnakes and copperheads. When prey is located, they, like their close relative the coachwhip, chase it down and swallow it live since they are not constrictors. Thee black racer is a harmless snake and usually tries to retreat if threatened. If handled, the black racer may bite repeatedly until released. Since the black racer is one of Georgia's harmless, non-venomous snakes, it is protected by law and may not be captured or killed.