![]() Their first warning sign is a tail rattle that creates a buzzing sound, like the rattle of a rattlesnake. When cornered, blue racers are known for their defensive attitude. When flight doesn’t work, this species is quick to switch into fight mode. Their excellent eyesight allows them to detect potential threats from a distance.Ī blue racer’s first instinct is always to flee, and they’re pretty good at escaping. Their large eyes and round pupils are perfectly adapted for visually hunting in daylight.īlue racers particularly enjoy basking in direct sunlight, as long as there is nearby cover to “race” into. Blue Racer Temperament and Behaviorīlue racers are diurnal, meaning that they’re active during the day. Human persecution, habitat loss, and road mortality are the primary reasons for their population decline in inhabited, unprotected areas. Blue racers are also listed as an endangered species to protect their limited habitat on Pelee Island in southwestern Ontario, where they’ve been subject to significant habitat loss. Some regions, such as Wisconsin, independently list the blue racer snake as an endangered species. IUCN Red List Status: Not yet assessed (believed to be endangered) Habitat loss due to human encroachment is the biggest reason for their population decline. When new development occurs, they’re among the first species to vacate the area. One major consistency is that blue racers do NOT thrive in areas with excessive human activity. The area usually overlaps various habitats, like an open forest and an adjacent shoreline. Their territories range from two and a half acres to 25 acres, depending on resource availability. ![]() Yellow-bellied racer, Coluber constrictor flaviventris snake in grass, with his head raised up, in late evening sun. They prefer open and semi-open environments that offer quick access to cover, like animal burrows or vegetation. Savanna, fields, lake shorelines, and open woodlands are prime habitats for blue racers. ![]() The last record of a blue racer in mainland Canada was in 1983. In Canada, an isolated small population lives on Pelee Island in southwestern Ontario. While most areas have seen population declines, populations in northern Michigan are thriving and even expanding! In the United States, the blue racer is endemic to a portion of the Midwest, including: A black band extends from their eye back to their neck on both sides. Rest assured, these babies are still Coluber constrictor foxii! This juvenile southern black racer displays the characteristic brown saddle patches of any young racer.īlue racer snakes have large, round eyes – a testament to their excellent vision. They’re typically bluish-gray with brown dorsal blotches. Hatchlings are easy to misidentify as an entirely different species. Those scales fade to black or dark gray towards the animal’s top dorsal region. On their sides, the scales are vibrant and metallic – ranging from silver to electric blue. The vibrant coloration is most often visible on their sides.Īn adult blue racer’s belly and chin are usually light gray, white, or cream-colored. That doesn’t even include their tail, which can sometimes push their size to over six feet! They’re the largest snakes in most of their native range.īlue racer’s smooth scales range from white to black and even blue. The blue racer is a thinly-built snake that reaches an SVL ( snout-to-vent length) of up to 60 inches. Open woodlands, shorelines, and edge habitats ![]() Insects, rodents, birds, frogs, and other reptiles The Midwestern United States and a small population on Pelee Island, Ontario, Canadaġ0+ Years (read “ Snake Lifespan Explained” to learn more)
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