June 4, 2024

I am a Brown-chinned Black Racer

I'm endemic to a very small area

You can only find me in the Apalachicola Lowlands
I'm not venomous - there are things far scarier.

Location: Apalachicola National Forest

Sources: https://www.facebook.com/coastalplainsinstitute/posts/meet-the-brown-chinned-racer-coluber-constrictor-helvigularis-if-you-have-just-o/1907189636103530/

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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August 27, 2020

This is the skin that a snake has shed
I'd guess a Black Racer cause I've seen them in my yard
But to tell for sure I'd need to look for clues
And turn the skin right-side out, which is hard.

Location: Fellsmere, my house

Sources: https://www.hobbyfarms.com/how-to-identify-a-shed-snakeskin/

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 24, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, my house

I'm adult Southern Black Racer,
I'm a non-venomous very fast snake
If you startle me, I will be gone in a flash,
You won't have time for a double take.

Note: Make sure you click the photo to enlarge this one, you can see his cute little snakey tongue!

Sources: UF Florida Museum - Coluber constrictor priapus

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 27, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, my house

I am a young Southern Black Racer
I'm still not solid white on my chin
I am older than when you saw me in August
And more black, and longer and thin.

Sources: Florida Museum - Coluber constrictor priapus

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson