Species Reptiles & AmphibiansNorth American Racer

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of North American Racer (Coluber constrictor)

The North American Racer is a fast, slender snake found across most of the continent. Despite its name, it does not constrict prey — it subdues it by pinning. It is highly alert and quick to flee when approached.

Habitat
Open fields, shrublands, forest edges, and rocky hillsides
Diet
Frogs, lizards, small mammals, birds, and insects
How common
Common

Best time to see a North American Racer

The best time to see a North American Racer is February–June, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 53,577 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent North American Racer sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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