Don’t be in a Hurry to Shoo Away a Racer 

Don’t be in a Hurry to Shoo Away a Racer Dr. Joan Bradshaw University of Florida/IFAS Extension Service Citrus County Extension Service 3650 West Sovereign Path, Suite 1 Lecanto, FL 34461 Attracting wildlife to home landscapes has gained a lot of momentum over the past few years with most of the attention focusing on enticing birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. An equally compelling case could also be made for encouraging snakes into the garden. Most people seem to have an innate fear and loathing of snakes and little thought is given to the benefits and harmlessness of these secretive and reclusive creatures. One garden “good guy” to keep an eye out for this spring is the Black Racer snake, (Coluber constrictor). This snake is one of the most common types of nonvenomous snakes in the southern United States. It is a relatively long and slender snake, usually between three and five feet long. Black racers are, as the name implies, solid deep black in color on their upper side. Their bellies vary from dark gray to black, and some white frequently occurs on the chin and throat. Young racers do not resemble adults and are frequently misidentified. Juvenile racers are tan or grayish in color with a series of brown or reddish blotches running down the center of the back. The color pattern present in juveniles fades to black as they grow older. Habitat: The Black Racer snake mainly resides in wooded areas including forested areas, brushes, thickets, fields and the bigger gardens that are found in suburban yards. Often, Black Racers are found in a ‘kink’ position in grassy or wooded areas. This position gives the impression that the snake is a fallen branch. This ‘kink’ technique usually occurs when a Black Racer is sleeping or resting and is used to fend off any predators. The Black Racer mainly eats animals which are smaller than it. These include insects, moles, birds, smaller snakes, lizards, rodents and most frogs. To eat its prey, the snake will suffocate and crush its victim into the ground. Behavior: Black Racers are excellent swimmers, as well as climbers, and can move at incredibly quick speeds (which is why it aptly has the term ‘racer’ in its name). Although nonvenomous, a technique often performed by a Racer snake when it’s cornered is to bite its prey. In general, Black Racers tend to choose flight over fight but there are times when the snake will pursue its prey. Threats to the Black Racer include the hawk, as well as other larger birds. Humans still remain the greatest threat to the Black Racer species. A large majority of these snakes are killed by vehicles; furthermore, many of this species are killed on purpose out of fear. While many people want to know how to remove racers from their garden, the best plan is to leave these “garden good guys” alone and they will be on their way. For more information, please call UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension at 352‐527‐5700. Citrus County Extension links the public with the University of Florida/IFAS’s knowledge, research, and resources to address youth, family, community, and agricultural needs. Programs and activities offered by the Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, handicap, sex, religion, or national origin. Citrus County Extension – Providing Solutions for Your Life Dr. Joan Bradshaw is director of University of Florida/IFAS Citrus County Extension.