Species Reptiles & AmphibiansEastern Coachwhip

Eastern Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Eastern Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)

The Coachwhip is one of the longest and fastest snakes in North America. It is an active diurnal hunter with excellent eyesight, often raising its head to survey surroundings. Despite fearsome speed, it is not venomous.

Habitat
Open sandy areas, grasslands, and dry scrublands
Diet
Lizards, small rodents, birds, and frogs
How common
Common

Best time to see a Eastern Coachwhip

The best time to see a Eastern Coachwhip is March–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,275 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Recent Eastern Coachwhip sightings near you

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

Spot a Eastern Coachwhip? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Eastern Coachwhip is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love reptiles & amphibians? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More reptiles & amphibians

Eastern Coral Snake
Eastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
Eastern Fence Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard
Sceloporus undulatus
Eastern Glass Lizard
Eastern Glass Lizard
Ophisaurus ventralis
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Eastern Indigo Snake
Eastern Indigo Snake
Drymarchon couperi
Eastern Kingsnake
Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Eastern Massasauga
Eastern Massasauga
Sistrurus catenatus catenatus
Eastern Mud Turtle
Eastern Mud Turtle
Kinosternon subrubrum