Eastern Coachwhip

The Eastern Coachwhip is one of the largest native snakes in North America. Average adult size is 50-72 inches (127-182.8 cm), record is 102 inches (259 cm). Adults are long and slender, and typically have a black head and neck, which gradually fades to tan posteriorly. The belly color matches that of the back. Some individuals may be uniformly tan or cream colored, lacking the dark pigmentation on the head. The head is large and angular, with large eyes shielded by projecting supraocular scales. The scales are smooth, and there are 17 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round. Juveniles are brown or tan with indistinct dark dorsal crossbands.