Reptiles and Amphibians of the Table Rocks

Racer

Racer Coluber constricter Jens V. Vindum © 1999 California Academy of Sciences

I am a slender grayish olive snake with whitish belly. I am active by day and can be seen moving fast with my head up off the ground. I am agile and a good tree climber.

I live in the Oak Savanna grasslands and the rocky wooded hillsides on Table Rocks. During cold periods, I often hibernate in rocky hillsides in large numbers with other species.

While hunting, I hold my head high and move swiftly through cover. I eat large insects, frogs, lizards, snakes, small rodents, and birds. Despite my scientific name, I am not a constrictor.

Caution: I bite hard. If grabbed I will bite repeatedly and thrash about violently. My bite is not venomous.

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