Black Racer

The other day out in my yard after a rain I spotted this Black Racer coming out of his hole. He didn't seem to mind the photographs as long as I kept my distance.

If you live in Florida, chances are you will see many of these snakes. They hunt by day and eat frogs, lizards, birds, mice and small creatures.

They get their name because they are so fast. They are not usually aggressive, preferring to slither away from you either to tall grass, brush or up a tree. They are also excellent swimmers. Black Racers are not poisonous, but if they are cornered or feel threatened they'll bite and keep biting.

Fortunately, I'm not afraid of snakes. If I were, it would be hard to live in Florida since they're encountered so often.