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Why does the baby Black Racer have these crazy colors? |
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DESCRIPTION: Maybe for camo, but it's hard to say - the adults change into pure black.
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A Snake of a Different Color - Juvenile black racer
Black racer snakes are one of the most common species in the Florida region. The adult black racer’s ability to move quickly and maintain their secretive nature has been what has allowed them to thrive for many years. As their name implies, they have an all black coloring on their body. Some snakes also have some white coloration under their chin. Young black racer snakes, however, do not look like their adult counterparts at all.
When a black racer snake is born, it is covered in tan or grey, with several brown or red hued blotches all along their bodies. It is quite a bit smaller than the adults as well. When first born, black racer snakes are only about 6 inches long. The average adult black racer snake can get up to 60 inches long – some have even reported snakes up to 72 inches long. Juvenile black racers do not gain the solid black coloring of the adults until they are about 12 inches long.
Why is there such a difference in the coloring between the juvenile black racer snake and the adult black racer snake? Juvenile black racer snakes are colored differently because it enables them to blend into their environment more effectively. When they’re young, they do not yet have the speed of the adult black racer snake, which oftentimes helps them in escaping predation. Predators of the black racer snake include birds of prey such as the red-shouldered hawk, and the broad-winged hawk. These are birds with finely attuned eyesight and have the ability to swoop down and snag a black racer snake quickly, making the snake’s ability to scurry away ineffective in this case. So the juveniles have to rely on their unique markings to hide them from predators. It is the only way they survive.
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.
You can safely catch snakes with a special trap, which you can order by clicking this banner:
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