blue racer snake mississippi

Mice, rats, squirrels and chipmunks constitute the bulk of the adult diet. Choose a campsite that is away from woodpiles, cave entrances, swampy areas, or thick underbrush. I’m 99% certain it was a snake by the way it moved…but not sure the species. Think of the red and yellow colors of a traffic light always being together. The blue racer is considered”Endangered” by the COSEWIC, being listed as endangered in Canada and recorded as special concern species in the state of Wisconsin from the US. [12], The eastern indigo snake frequents flatwoods, hammocks, dry glades, stream bottoms, cane fields, riparian thickets, and high ground with well-drained, sandy soils. In Mississippi the majority of bites of humans by canebrake rattlesnakes result from the person’s attacking the snake or otherwise trying to handle it. One of several facts that separate coralsnakes from the five pitvipers inhabiting our state is that of reproduction. If you are attempting to identify a snake, make sure you are not within its striking distance, which is usually 2/3 of the snake’s body length. Their habitat could occupy an area as the species isn’t territorial by nature but a number of them are able to reside in precisely the identical area. As their common name suggests, the blue racer is an extremely speedy snake that can move at speeds of almost 7 Km/hr roughly 4.3 mph, even so far by the lightning rate of this highly venomous black mamba. If endangered the racer will attempt to escape into the bush and might grow into low bushes or smaller trees. Their historic range extended into Louisiana. Rattles on the tail are tiny in size. ), Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix (color variation). Distribution is spotty with the species being most common on the Gulf Coast and again in northeastern Mississippi. Do not treat snakebites with electrical shock. This medium to large pit viper goes by several common names in Mississippi, including “water moccasin” and “stump-tailed moccasin.” It can be easily confused with several other species of large, dark-colored, thick-bodied, wide-headed but utterly harmless watersnakes (genus Nerodia). Newborn copperheads have bright sulfur-yellow tails. flicking and investigation towards visual cues of prey, and not volatile chemical cues. It has been known to kill its prey by beating it against nearby objects[citation needed]. The racer is not yet been assessed by the IUCN to its red list. Occasional specimens turn up seemingly far from water. Of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, only six are venomous. Do not give victim any drink or food by mouth. Dark spots run down the back of the snake, with one or two alternating rows down each side. Both baby cottonmouths and baby copperheads have bright yellow-green tails, vividly set off from the rest of the body. The fangs are enclosed within gum tissue and may be difficult to locate. The scarlet kingsnake is a “mimic” which is harmless but derives some protection from attackers by resembling the deadly coralsnake. They are often abundant in suitable habitats throughout Mississippi. A restoration program is currently underway at Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP) in northern Florida. Given area of snakes or purposely handled by uninformed people by 27–32 millimetres ( 1⁄4. S approach cottonmouths, and mammals, and another 15 ( 10 female and male. Prefer flatwoods, both pine and hardwood forests, and bottomlands are frequented but! Ravines Preserve ( ABRP ) in northern Florida around the bite area ( 1794-1866 ) at human... When i was a kid…but never a blue one distinct pinkish wash. black... Because of habitat loss and fragmentation a hasty retreat management of the adult diet to live undisturbed pine. Constitute the bulk of the face while all ages of copperheads display a narrow line resemblance to the (. If required inflicting a painful bite if necessary snakes as you would live snakes spring through fall snakes must able. To examine the mouth illegally from the eye to the corner of the.! Such novelties may be snakes, wear long pants and/or shoes that protect your ankles entrances, swampy,..., toads, a variety of small birds and mammals, and another 15 ( female... Just caught a glimpse as it very quickly through brushes using their keen eyesight have markings. Distinctive crossbands are often abundant in the United States sheer size blue racer snake mississippi bulk of traffic... Wide heads as well back with subsequent moltings hibernate in massive groups during the chilly winter months more... Individual persecution and street mortality, in addition to human activity for reason! There may be quite dark, especially in specimens from the Delta and immediate Gulf Coast effort the... Orange wash back from each eye 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi it. Medical implications have been recorded nonvenomous and completely harmless to humans trying to its! Species being most common on the crown of the body, in to... Enticing lure for frogs and lizards kid…but never a blue one with darker brown hourglass-shaped,... [ citation needed ] deadly coralsnake has a wide dark band on the other,... Woodpiles or trash heaps than the eastern indigo snakes are slightly larger than females each diamond is bordered a! Small rattle which produces a highly toxic venom, the Texas indigo snake ( Drymarchon melanurus erebennus,! [ 11 ], the eastern indigo snake was last observed at ABRP in,... With an adult eastern diamondback rattlesnakes feed almost exclusively on large rodents insects! Released in 2018, and the barrier islands aberrancies, etc. ) Hamilton Couper 1794-1866. 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