The sight of a large, black snake often triggers immediate alarm. While any snake can bite, the vast majority of species commonly called “black snakes” are non-venomous. They primarily use biting as a purely defensive measure when they feel cornered or handled. Understanding the identity and natural behavior of these reptiles clarifies that they generally pose no serious danger to people.
Which Snakes Are Called “Black Snakes”?
The term “black snake” is an informal label most often applied to two distinct species: the Eastern Rat Snake and the Black Racer. Distinguishing between these two non-venomous constrictors requires observing a few physical differences. The Eastern Rat Snake, sometimes called the Black Rat Snake, is a heavier, more robust snake that can reach lengths of seven feet or more.
Its scales are lightly keeled, meaning they have a slight ridge down the center, giving the snake a duller, less glossy appearance. When viewed in cross-section, the Rat Snake often looks somewhat loaf-shaped, with a flattened belly edge that helps it climb trees. Its underside is typically a light color, often white or yellow, which may be mottled with black markings.
The Black Racer is a more slender, fast-moving snake that rarely exceeds six feet in length. Racers possess smooth scales that give them a striking, uniform, and glossy jet-black appearance. This species is cylindrical in cross-section and tends to have a solid black body, though the chin and throat are often white. Correct identification is important because a dark, juvenile venomous snake, such as a Cottonmouth or Copperhead, can sometimes be mistaken for a “black snake.”
Why and When These Snakes Bite
Black snakes are not aggressive toward humans and bite out of fear or defense when they perceive a threat. In nature, their goal is to escape detection, and they flee quickly before resorting to a strike. A defensive bite occurs when the snake is surprised, accidentally stepped on, or harassed.
The Black Rat Snake often attempts to deter a threat by “kinking” its body and remaining perfectly still, or by vibrating its tail rapidly in dry leaf litter to mimic the sound of a rattlesnake. If this posturing fails, the snake will strike with its mouth open, delivering a quick bite. The Black Racer is known to thrash wildly and bite repeatedly if it is grabbed or restrained.
These bites are not used to inject venom; instead, they are a quick physical warning to let go of the snake or back away. Since these snakes are not equipped with hollow fangs, the resulting wound from a defensive strike is typically a superficial scratch or a series of small puncture marks. The bite is a reflex, meant to startle a perceived predator into releasing its hold, allowing the snake to escape.
What to Do If Bitten
A bite from a non-venomous black snake is treated like any other minor puncture wound, with the concern being the risk of infection. The first step is to remain calm and move away from the snake to prevent defensive action. Immediately wash the affected area thoroughly using soap and warm water for at least five minutes to clean the wound of any dirt or bacteria.
After cleaning, a topical antiseptic or antibiotic ointment is recommended to mitigate the risk of bacterial infection. The injury should then be covered with a clean, dry adhesive bandage. Because the wounds are shallow, no antivenom or specialized medical procedure is needed for a confirmed non-venomous bite.
You must seek medical attention if the snake could not be identified and there is any doubt about its non-venomous status, or if the wound begins to show signs of infection. Symptoms such as increasing redness, swelling that spreads beyond the bite site, excessive pain, or discharge may indicate a bacterial infection requiring professional treatment. Seek help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, which are possible reactions to the snake’s saliva or a bacterial contaminant.