The Blue Racer snake, scientifically classified as Coluber constrictor foxii, holds a reputation in the Midwest for its remarkable swiftness. This subspecies of the widespread North American Racer is a slender, active predator whose survival depends heavily on its ability to move quickly across open terrain.
The Actual Maximum Speed
The maximum measured speed of the Blue Racer is approximately 4.3 miles per hour, which translates to about seven kilometers per hour. While this speed may not sound fast when compared to a running human, it represents a very high velocity for a serpent moving by lateral undulation across the ground. The difficulty in obtaining precise field data means this figure represents a burst of speed in a controlled environment or a short, straight sprint observed in the wild.
This measured speed is not sustained over long distances, but it is enough to make the snake appear as a blur to an observer. The name “Racer” actually refers less to an extreme top speed and more to its consistent, rapid, and continuous movement. This snake is constantly in motion while hunting or evading threats, relying on agility and persistence rather than only on sheer acceleration.
Identifying the Blue Racer
The Blue Racer is a distinct subspecies of the North American Racer, Coluber constrictor, found primarily in the Great Lakes region and Midwestern United States. Adults are recognized by their smooth scales and a uniform coloration that is typically slate blue or bluish-gray along the back. This dorsal color contrasts with a lighter, often white or cream-colored, belly.
An adult can reach an impressive length, commonly growing between 3 and 5 feet, though some individuals have been recorded closer to 6 feet long. Unlike the adults, young Blue Racers have a distinctly patterned appearance, featuring a series of dark brown or reddish-brown blotches along a lighter background. This juvenile pattern fades away as the snake matures, usually within its second year, revealing the characteristic solid blue-gray of the adult.
The snake prefers open or semi-open habitats, such as prairies, meadows, old fields, and edges of open woodlands. Its geographic range includes states like Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, extending north to Pelee Island in Canada.
Speed in Context: Hunting and Evasion
The speed of the Blue Racer is fundamentally tied to its ecological role as an active, diurnal predator. It does not wait in ambush like many other snake species; instead, it uses its rapid movement to actively pursue and overtake prey during the day. This hunting technique often involves the snake raising its head and neck above the grass, a behavior called “periscoping,” to scan the area for movement.
Once prey is spotted, the snake closes the distance quickly, grasping the animal with its jaws and swallowing it whole without employing constriction. Its diet is varied, including insects, frogs, small rodents, birds, and even other snakes.
The speed also serves as its primary defense mechanism against predators like hawks, coyotes, and raccoons. When threatened, the Blue Racer’s first instinct is rapid flight, using its velocity to disappear into dense vegetation or burrows rather than fighting. Although it is non-venomous, if cornered, the snake may strike repeatedly and vibrate its tail rapidly in dry leaves to mimic the sound of a rattlesnake as a final defensive tactic.