Black racer snakes are predators that feast on a variety of smaller animals including rodents lizards birds and other snakes. Copperheads are one of their favorite meals.
These agile snakes are superb hunters using their keen vision and sense of smell to track down their prey. They strike quickly and efficiently injecting their prey with venom that paralysis and kills it. They then swallow their meal whole head first.
Copperheads are a type of pit viper meaning they have heat-sensing pits located between their eyes and nostrils. This helps them locate their warm-blooded prey even in complete darkness.
Black racer snakes are immune to the venom of copperheads and other snakes so they have nothing to fear when preying on them. In fact they often seek out copperheads specifically as they are a large and nutritious meals.
If you come across a black racer snake in the wild it is best to give it a wide berth. These snakes are not aggressive towards humans and will only bite if they feel threatened. However their bites can be painful and may cause swelling and bruising.
Do black racer snakes eat copperheads?
Black racer snakes will eat just about anything they can fit into their mouths including other snakes.
So yes black racer snakes will eat copperheads.
What does a black racer snake look like?
Black racer snakes are black or dark gray in color.
They have smooth shiny scales.
The average adult black racer snake is about 3-6 feet long.
Where do black racer snakes live?
Black racer snakes are found throughout the southeastern United States from Texas to Florida and up into Virginia.
What do black racer snakes eat?
Black racer snakes are carnivores.
Their diet consists mostly of rodents lizards frogs and other small snakes.
How do black racer snakes kill their prey?
Black racer snakes kill their prey by constriction.
They will wrap their bodies around their prey and squeeze it until it stops breathing.
How feared are black racer snakes?
Black racer snakes are not usually feared by humans.
They are non-venomous and not aggressive towards people.
However they will defend themselves if they feel threatened.
What is the biggest threat to black racer snakes?
The biggest threat to black racer snakes is habitat loss.
Development and agriculture can destroy the areas where they live and make it difficult for them to find food and shelter.
Are black racer snakes endangered?
Black racer snakes are not currently endangered.
However they are considered a species of concern in some states due to habitat loss.
How long do black racer snakes live?
Black racer snakes can live up to 20 years in captivity.
In the wild their lifespan is shorter due to predation and other risks.
How many eggs does a black racer snake usually lay?
Black racer snakes usually lay between 6 and 24 eggs at a time.
How often do black racer snakes eat?
Black racer snakes will eat whenever they can find food.
In the wild they may eat several times a week.
In captivity they can be fed once or twice a week.
What happens to black racer snakes in the winter?
Black racer snakes do not hibernate.
They are active all year long even in cold weather.
Do black racer snakes have any predators?
Black racer snakes have many predators including other snakes hawks and owls.
What is the average length of a black racer snake?
The average adult black racer snake is about 3-6 feet long.
What is the scientific name for black racer snakes?
The scientific name for black racer snakes is Coluber constrictor.
