Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I found 2 solid black snakes (best I can tell) in my screen enclosure. I didn't get a picture - just wanted to get them out - finally did. They were thin and about 2 1/2 - 3 feet long.

I live in Port St. Lucie, Florida - about 2 hours south of Orlando.

I doubt that I have anything to worry about but want to be sure as we have dogs and don't want them to get hurt.

Thanks in advance.

Ely

Just saw it again in the yard - it has a white chin so from what I have read, I am guessing Black Rat Snake - am I correct?

Ely

um im gonna say black racer if it was solid black and thin that black rats i catch in ok. usualy have a little pattern and orange beetween scales i dont no about floridas black rats though

o and if you see it in the day its probaly a racer because rat snakes ar nocturnal o and racers are completeley harmless but are realy agressive lol

The snake you are describing is a Southern Black Racer. Racers are very common harmless snakes throughout Florida.

The Black Ratsnake doesn't make it down to Florida at all. It is only found as far south as the mountains of northern GA.

The only other all black snake (with a white chin) in Florida would be the endangered Eastern Indigo snake, but yours sound like Racers to me.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

>>The only other all black snake (with a white chin) in Florida would be the endangered Eastern Indigo snake, but yours sound like Racers to me.

I've never heard of an Eastern Indigo with a white chin. Down here they're black to reddish brown.

I agree the snake described is almost certainly a black racer.

Does it take off like an oiled black mamba with it's tail on fire when you get close?
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What goes up must come down...unless it exceeds escape velocity.

I've never heard of an Eastern Indigo with a white chin.Down here they're black to reddish brown.

I know that people who breed easterns produce both red and white chinned snakes.
I haven't ever seen an eastern indigo in the wild, so I can't say from experience. It is the last of the N. American Drymarchon sp./ssp. for my lifelist (I've found errebennus, melanurus, rubidus, and orizabensis). I have to get down there and find one!
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Chris,come down in the cooler months of winter and early spring..Maybe we BOTH can cross paths with one! I have heard of two or three in the last month or so...in the hot and dry conditions.
White chinned are around for sure. (see other post)Most like that I have seen were in central FL. Others have sent me pics as well.
:Mark
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Surrender Dorothy!

www.crimsonking.funtigo.com

Obviously the snakes in question are racers.
Thin is not a description heard with a 3' indigo usually.
To find two at your house in the summer you would be blessed to say the least!
There are indigos with whitish chins and throats for sure.

s. black racer

indigos:
red chin/throat

white chin/throat

:Mark
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Surrender Dorothy!

www.crimsonking.funtigo.com

Thanks for all the information. We haven't seen them again but at least I feel better knowing that the dogs aren't in any danger.

Have a great 4th everyone and thank you so much for your help!
Ely