North American Racer

Coluber constrictor — Colubridae

36–60 inches

IUCN

Least Concern

Federal (US)

None

Virginia

None

VWAP Tier

Not Listed

Habitat

terrestrialgrasslandforest

Found in Virginia

Statewide

How to identify

Adults: uniformly black or blue-black above
White, yellow, or blue-gray chin and belly
Smooth, glossy scales
Slender, round body
Round pupils
Juveniles: gray with dark blotches, similar to juvenile ratsnakes

About this species

One of Virginia's fastest snakes, the North American racer is a sleek, black snake with a white or yellowish chin and belly. Unlike its name suggests, it is not a constrictor — it subdues prey by pinning it against the ground. Racers are alert, fast-moving, and quick to flee but will bite readily if handled.

Often confused with

Eastern Ratsnake

Ratsnakes have slightly keeled scales, a squarish body cross-section, and a white chin that extends further; racers are sleeker and faster

Did you know

"Despite being called 'constrictors' in their scientific name, racers do not constrict their prey — the name is a historical misnomer."

Sightings & citizen science

Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.

View North American Racer observations on iNaturalist ↗

Found one injured?

If you've found an injured or displaced North American Racer in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.

Triage guide →