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Eastern Yellow Bellied Racer

Coluber Constrictor Flaviventris

Photo by roemer1
Published on Project Noah
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39.0054, -92.3603

Field Notes

Description:

Around a foot long, head slightly larger than the rest of the body.

Amazing sky blue coloration on the sides and underbelly around the markings, markings on side and underbelly reddish brown to red on underbelly, markings on back blue gray, blends into blue gray with no markings on tail, cream colored underbelly, reddish brown eyes.

Habitat:

Found in the backyard as I was taking the compost out to the compost pile. I heard a rustling and thought I saw some grass move, I poked my foot around and saw nothing, then stepped and saw a snake start slithering through the grass.

Notes:

I can clearly see why these snakes are called "Racers", I catch snakes a lot and I have NEVER seen a snake move this fast. I nearly missed catching this guy with how fast he was moving, and he blended in so well that at first I couldn't see him!
The racer tried to bite me when I initially pinned him, but once I got him and held him (By the head since I had seen him try to strike) he calmed down more and just tried to escape from time to time. Luckily AFTER I got some good photos!

Amazing snake, beautiful coloration. I doubt I'll be able to catch an adult though, if the juveniles are this fast, I can't imagine how crazily fast the adults must move.

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