I was out herping in hagerstown MD. and I came across a snake(all black)and he was cruising, I was chasing him down a hill next to a lake and I tripped and started down a hill and I actaully caught up to him but by the time I did I lost him in reeds in the lake.The reason im asking is because there was another snake I was chasing in south corolina(all black) along a large creek and he wouldnt go in the water.So is the snake I was chasing in maryland a racer or a coachwhip?
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need a snake ID (no photo)
bsb
Aug 20, 2005 05:54 PM
Replies (4)
rick gordon
Aug 24, 2005 12:29 PM
Most likely a black racer, we have plenty of them about. I have not seen any eastern coachwhips, but then again, I have never herped in Hagerstown.
bsb
Aug 24, 2005 12:34 PM
How long have you seen black racers get. the one I was chasing was about 6.5 feet.
rearfang
Sep 02, 2005 10:38 AM
Largest I ever saw was a southern and it measured 6'1". It was a long term captive and would take micce from your hand. A remarkably calm racer.
Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."
rick gordon
Sep 15, 2005 11:16 AM
Six feet is not uncommon in some areas, 6.5 would be a rather large black racer. Size can be difficult to estimate, so its likely that you have over estimated by about 6 inches or so. An eastern coachwip generally doesn't have a uniformed color, unless you see some coachwips around, I would stick with it being a racer.
