Coluber constrictor

But as the common name suggests, the racer is a true speedster whose thin, slender body enable it to glide effortlessly across difficult terrain in search of prey or to escape predators. They are one of the more commonly seen snakes of eastern Washington and are interesting to observe. They possess large eyes which gives them good visual acuity and like the whipsnake, use it to detect the movement of potential prey like lizards, frogs and small mammals. Immature racers have blotches and spots when young, but lose them when they reach adulthood. Small insects like crickets and grasshoppers are taken during this stage until they can tackle larger prey.

While some snakes seek shelter from intense heat, the racer is usually most active during the hottest part of the day, gaining much needed energy from the sun so it can cruise about, looking for food. The racer is certainly not dangerous to humans, but will not hesitate to bite if captured. Its sharp, backward-curving teeth help struggling prey not to escape. Racers used to exist in western Washington, but have not been here since 1939.