Detail photo - Black Racer

DESCRIPTION: The tongue is dark to avoid sunburn.  Many people notice this snake's white chin.

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The Florida black racer is a non-venomous snake that is found in urban and rural areas of Florida and the Florida Keys. Because of their uniform black color, they are often mistaken for king snakes or hognose snakes; however, they are more slender and when spooked they quickly flee instead of freeze when approached. Black racers sometimes have white scales under their skin, and their belly is a solid black or dark grey.

Juvenile Florida black racers look completely different from adults. When born, they are normally between 6 and 9 inches. Their body is gray or tan and they have rounded reddish or brown blotches going down their spine. They have large eyes and their body turns completely black when they are about a foot long.

Black racers are seen often because they hunt during the day and are more active during warm weather. They climb trees with ease to get away from predators like large birds, other snakes, or mammals. They sometimes rest or sleep in trees as well. When they hunt they swallow their food whole. They eat a variety of animals like small birds, rodents, frogs, lizards, and even insects.

Spring is mating season for the black racers. The females can lay more than 30 eggs during the early summer. They like living in what are called “edge habitats”. These include old fields and the edge of forests and wetlands. They are also attracted to farm fields where rodents often search for food.

Though these snakes are not poisonous, they will bite when cornered. They sometimes warn of an impending bite with a buzzing sound made by vibrating their tail against fallen leaves. The black racers’ teeth are very sharp and will make you bleed if they bite you; however, if you do not bother them, they will not bother you.

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Running a wildlife removal business in the state of Florida gives me the chance to see all kinds of interesting snakes! Florida has about 45 species of snake, and I've seen 29 of them so far. I've always got my eye out for new species, and I love spotting rare snakes in Florida. I also have a thing for venomous snakes - they're not too common in FL, so I always enjoy the chance to see a poisonous serpent. I really like snakes, and I've never hurt or killed one. They're an important part of the ecosystem, and often persecuted. Still, if you don't want snakes in your house or on your property, and judging from the number of phone calls I receive regarding snake problems, you don't, then give me or a local snake expert in your area a call, and we can remove the snakes from your property for you. I use many snake control methods - from snake traps, to snake repellents, to habitat modification, but most of all, good old-fashioned capture and removal. If you want to learn more, please read my How To Get Rid of Snakes page.

AAAnimal Control is a privately owned wildlife removal and pest control business, located in Orlando Florida. I deal strictly with wild animals including snakes inside houses. I am not an extermination company, but a critter removal and control specialist. The above photos are some of the many that I've taken in the field over my years of work. Please email me if you have any questions about the above photographs, or any questions about wildlife problems or Florida snake removal issues.

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Wildlife Photographs by David     Email me with questions: david@aaanimalcontrol.com     Residential & Commercial     Licensed & Insured