Many people feel unease or fear when encountering a snake, especially a black one, often due to misconceptions. The term “black snake” describes several species with dark coloration, not a single type. This article clarifies common misunderstandings about these reptiles, focusing on their characteristics, potential risks, and appropriate actions during an encounter.
Identifying Common Black Snakes
North America is home to several common non-venomous snakes that appear black, each with distinct features. The Black Rat Snake, also known as the Eastern Rat Snake, is a large constrictor reaching 3.5 to 7 feet. Its body is shiny black with a white or light-colored chin and belly, which may have a mottled appearance. These snakes are adept climbers, found in trees, barns, and attics, and they consume rodents.
The North American Racer is a slender snake measuring 20 to 56 inches. Adults are uniformly black or bluish-black with smooth scales and a white chin and throat. Racers are known for their speed and are often seen moving quickly through open areas. The Eastern Indigo Snake, found in the southeastern United States, is the longest native snake in North America, reaching 5 to 8 feet. It possesses glossy, iridescent blue-black scales, and some individuals may have reddish-orange or cream coloration on their chin, throat, or cheeks.
Understanding the Danger Level
The black snakes commonly found in North America, such as the Black Rat Snake, North American Racer, and Eastern Indigo Snake, are non-venomous. Black Rat Snakes and Eastern Indigo Snakes are constrictors, while racers pin prey with their bodies or swallow it alive. While these snakes might strike or bite if threatened or cornered, their bites are not medically significant for humans. A bite from a non-venomous snake results in minor pin-prick punctures and some bleeding, comparable to a thorn scratch.
Black snakes are shy and reclusive, preferring to avoid confrontations and fleeing when disturbed. If a black snake feels threatened, it may engage in defensive behaviors like coiling, hissing, vibrating its tail to mimic a rattlesnake, or emitting a musky odor. These behaviors are intimidation tactics rather than signs of aggression. While some venomous snakes, like certain copperheads or cottonmouths, can have dark coloration, they exhibit distinct features such as a triangular head shape or specific body patterns that differentiate them from non-venomous black snakes.
What to Do During an Encounter
Encountering a snake can be startling, but maintaining a calm demeanor is important. If you see a black snake, leave it alone and observe it from a safe distance, ideally at least six feet away. Allow the snake to move away on its own, as most snakes will retreat if given the opportunity. Trying to handle, harass, or kill a snake is not advisable, as this is when most snake bites occur.
These snakes play a beneficial role in the ecosystem by controlling populations of rodents, insects, and other small animals. To make your yard less appealing to snakes without causing them harm, remove potential hiding spots like wood piles, rock piles, and dense brush. Keeping grass mowed and managing rodent populations by securing trash and pet food can also reduce their presence. While natural repellents like strong-smelling plants or essential oils are often suggested, their effectiveness is debated, and physical deterrents are more reliable.