Identification: 20-65 in. There are several subspecies of the racer in Louisiana - East of the Mississippi River racers are shiny black with white throats (Southern Black Racer); racers found in the Mississippi Valley are gray with black around and behind the eye (Black masked racer); In the Southwest part of the state racers tend to be tan to olive with yellow bellies (tan racer; Eastern yellow bellied racer). Snakes from the uplands of central and northern Louisiana are slate-gray or blue-gray with white spots (Buttermilk racer); scales smooth.
Habits: Racers prefer open country and partially open woodlands. They are considered partially arboreal and can be found in briar tangles, shrubs and low trees. Racers will bite readily when caught and are often territorial in spring, standing their ground when approached instead of fleeing.
Distribution: Racers may be found throughout Louisiana.
