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North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

The North American Racer is a fast and slender snake that loves to explore! It has smooth scales and can be green, brown, or gray. These snakes are great at hiding and can be found in many places.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The North American Racer is a slender snake, typically solid colored as an adult, ranging from black, blue, or gray to olive-brown, with a contrasting white or yellow belly. Juveniles, however, sport distinct dark blotches down their back, fading as they mature into their uniform adult coloration.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusColuber
North American Racer
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgegrassland trait badgecarnivorous trait badge
North American Racer

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite their name, Racers don't constrict prey; they pin it down to eat!

These speedy snakes are active during the day, making them diurnal hunters.

They often eat other snakes, including venomous ones, showing no fear!

Young Racers have bold patterns that fade away as they grow into adults!

Special abilities

Ability

Lightning Dash

North American Racers can sprint at high speeds that help them outmaneuver predators or rapidly pursue quick-moving prey.

Ability

Eagle Eye Hunter

North American Racers have large eyes and keen eyesight that helps them spot and ambush fast-moving prey.

Ability

Rattlesnake Impersonation

North American Racers can vibrate their tails rapidly in dry leaves, creating a buzzing sound to mimic a rattlesnake.

Measurements & details

Length
60-150 cm
Weight
0.15-0.5 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
16 km/h
Clutch Size
5-20
Incubation
40-60 days

Diet & Feeding

They hunt and eat a wide variety of small animals like insects, frogs, rodents, and other snakes.

Age differences: Young snakes eat mostly insects, gradually adding larger prey as they grow.

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Frogs
  • Lizards
  • Rodents
  • Small Birds
  • Other Snakes

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Meadow Vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus

a common small mammal prey

hunts

Green Anole

Anolis carolinensis

a frequent lizard meal

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

a major avian predator

eaten by

Coyote

Canis latrans

a ground predator of snakes

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

If you see a snake, it's best to stay calm and give it space. Never try to touch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is North American Racer?

60-150 cm

How much does North American Racer weigh?

0.15-0.5 kg

How long does North American Racer live?

5-10 years

How fast can North American Racer move?

16 km/h

What does North American Racer eat?

They hunt and eat a wide variety of small animals like insects, frogs, rodents, and other snakes.

Where is North American Racer usually found?

Grasslands

How does North American Racer hunt?

Pursuit

How many eggs does North American Racer lay?

5-20

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