North American Racer
These sleek, fast snakes have excellent eyesight and are known for periscoping above ground cover in order to assess their surroundings.
About This Species
This is a fast-moving, highly active, non-venomous snake. They do not actually constrict - but will use their bodies to hold prey down in order to swallow it alive. They use their speed to escape predators, but will fight back viciously if cornered by biting hard and repeatedly.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Upper scales smooth (unkeeled), plain brown or olive in adults; belly plain yellow or cream; eyes large; anal scale divided; nostril bordered by two separate scales; usually 15 rows of scales on back and sides just in front of the vent; small scale wedged between upper lip scales at front edge of eye; adults often 22-32 inches (56–82 cm) snout-vent length, 20 to 60 inches (50 to 152 cm) total length.
Hatchling
Upper side with numerous brown blotches; blotched pattern disappears when snake reaches approximately 20 inches (50 cm) snout-vent length; eyes relatively large.
Range
Eastern Colorado (widespread and common) and valleys and canyons of western Colorado (more localized and less common).
Habitat
Eastern Colorado
Prairie grasslands, sandhills, open riparian woodlands, and shrubby foothills and canyons.
Western Colorado
Semidesert shrublands and lowland riparian habitats and adjacent areas in valleys and canyon bottoms, in some areas ranging into rocky piñon-juniper woodlands bordering valley bottoms.
Both regions
Agricultural areas where farming and ranching operations are mixed with patches of undisturbed habitat. Primarily active on ground, also commonly climbs into shrubs and small trees. Daily retreats in spring and summer include rodent burrows and spaces under rocks or plants. Hibernates in deep rock crevices, sometimes beneath buildings or in structures; may hibernate with other snake species.
Diet
These fast-moving, agile snakes feed opportunistically on a wide assortment of insects and small vertebrates.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs, sometimes communally, in June-July. Hatchlings emerge in August-September.