Like other snake species, the southern black racers use underground shelters to hibernate during the coldest winter months, from around late October, emerging again in mid-March. They hibernate in large groups of snakes and with other species too. The southern black racer snakes have several predators, such as hawks and other birds that prey upon these snakes, sometimes even domestic dogs or cats become predators to them. Their speed is possible because of their natural smooth skin and scales, they usually shed their skin once a year. They are very skilled swimmers and amazing opportunistic predators. They are also capable of gliding, swimming, and climbing at unbelievable speeds. They need to because they are typically daytime hunters and need to escape predators. These snakes can move extremely fast, hence the name "racer". As for their vision, this snake is considered to be color blind. Their dorsal side is black in contrast with their gray belly and a distinctive white jawline and throat. The juveniles are usually gray in color, with some clear reddish brown blotches, that fade into their solid-colored tail. These snakes have a slim body, covered with 17 rows of dorsal smooth scales down the middle of their body.The southern black racer snake is marked with dull colors covering all of its body. They can live up to 10 years both in the wild or in captivity. The average size of an adult Southern black racer snake is around 20 to 56 inches, although the maximum length of an adult snake can reach approximately 70 inches. Although its bite is harmless, their needle-sharp teeth can inflict bleeding upon its victim. The species is also known as the black runner snake. These snakes are shy and timid by nature and are in most cases harmless, if not attacked or threatened. These non -venomous snakes are mainly found in grasslands, prairies, scrub, bushy areas and sandy hills. Outside of Florida, it can also be found throughout the Eastern regions of the US, from NE Texas. It's widely spread throughout the Florida mainland and also the Florida keys. Their prey is made up of lizards, frogs, baby turtles, small snakes, and the nestlings of ground dwelling birds or mammals.The Southern Black Racer snake ( Coluber constrictor priapus) is a very common non-venomous snake species found in and around the southern regions of the United States. May be seen in a variety of habitats from field, meadows, and pastures to woodland edges and clearcuts. When amidst dead leaves and grasses this produces a sound somewhat similar to that of a disturbed rattlesnake. When defensive, racers often shake or vibrate their tail. As would befit snakes with such hunting techniques, the eyes are large and vision is acute. These fast snakes often hunt by “periscoping,” their head held well above the grasses or weeds in which they are searching for their prey of lizards, frogs, baby turtles, small snakes, and the nestlings of ground dwelling birds or mammals. Scales are smooth, in 17 rows to and beyond midbody, and 15 rows posteriorly. The hatchlings are lighter than the adults and usually strongly patterned with darker dorsal saddles. Differentiate from the northern black racer (to which it is externally identical) by range. Satiny black (not shiny) above and below except partially white or all white chin and throat.
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