The Blue Racer, scientifically known as Coluber constrictor foxii, is a slender and fast-moving snake species native to the Midwestern United States and the Great Lakes area. This species is often encountered in open habitats like grasslands, meadows, and along forest edges where its speed can be utilized. The snake is considered harmless to people. It is an active predator that plays a positive role in its local ecosystem by controlling populations of various pests.
Is the Blue Racer Venomous or Poisonous?
The Blue Racer is neither venomous nor poisonous, which directly addresses the most common public concern. It is classified as a non-venomous snake belonging to the Colubridae family, the largest family of snakes globally. The distinction between these terms is important: a venomous animal injects toxins through a specialized delivery system, such as fangs, while a poisonous animal is harmful if its tissues are ingested or touched.
The Blue Racer lacks the necessary biological mechanisms for venom delivery, such as modified salivary glands or hollow fangs. Its scientific name, Coluber constrictor, is misleading because this snake does not subdue prey by constriction, unlike many other non-venomous species. Instead, the racer uses its speed and strong jaws to seize and quickly swallow its prey whole, or it may simply pin the animal down. Since it produces no toxins, it poses no danger of envenomation or poisoning to humans.
Identifying the Blue Racer Snake
Adult Blue Racers are readily identifiable by their smooth, solid coloration, which can range from a brilliant blue to a blue-gray or steel-gray hue across the back and sides. They are long and slender snakes, with adults often reaching lengths of up to 60 inches (five feet). The body tapers to a thin tail, and the belly is typically a contrasting white or creamy color.
A distinctive feature is the Blue Racer’s large, round eyes, which are well-adapted for its diurnal, visually-oriented hunting style. The eyes are often framed by dark scales, giving the appearance of a black mask. Juvenile racers look quite different, which can sometimes lead to misidentification. Young snakes display a patterned appearance, featuring dark-bordered blotches over a lighter gray or tan background, a pattern that gradually fades to the uniform adult blue color by their third year.
Temperament and Interaction
The Blue Racer is aptly named for its speed, capable of moving at over four miles per hour, making it one of the swiftest snakes in North America. This swiftness contributes to its temperament, as the animal is generally wary and prefers to flee at the slightest sign of human presence. Its primary defense mechanism is to use this speed to disappear into nearby vegetation or cover.
If the snake is cornered or handled, it may resort to defensive behaviors. These include rapidly vibrating its tail in dry leaves or grass, creating a buzzing sound that mimics a rattlesnake. It may also bite, and while the bite is non-venomous, it can be painful and cause some bleeding due to the snake’s sharp teeth. The wounds are not medically significant and require only basic cleaning and bandaging. The best practice when encountering this species is to observe it from a distance.