The Blue Racer Snake is only one example of the stunningly colored snakes that you will read about today. The blue scales of the Blue Racer Snake are largely responsible for the animal’s colorful moniker. Additionally, the speed of these snakes is incredible. This is where the term “Racer” comes from. We’ll get into all the reasons why these aren’t ideal for snakes as pets down the road. These factors relate to the snake’s general demeanor, its diet, and the overall health of the species.
Physical Description of a Blue Racer Snake
Typically between 3 and 5 feet in height. The blue racer is a rather slender snake that can grow to be as long as 60 inches from its snout to its vent. Without counting their tail, which can make them much longer, they’re already over six feet long. In most of their native range, these snakes tower over all others. The colors of a blue racer’s smooth scales can range from white to black to blue. Their brilliant coloring is especially noticeable on the flanks of these creatures.
The underbelly and chin of an adult blue racer are often a pale grey, white, or cream color. The scales are metallic and colorful on their undersides, in colors ranging from silver to electric blue. As you move up the animal’s dorsal side, you’ll see that those scales become black or dark grey.
It is common for hatchlings to be mistaken for a completely different species. They usually have bluish-gray coloring with brown spots on the back. Have no fear; these young are still Coluber constrictor foxii.
Blue Racer Diet
Sákes are opportunistic feeders in the wild blue racer. Insects (particularly grasshoppers), locusts, birds, small mammals, amphibians, lizards, other snakes, and even eggs are all fair game for these predators.
Over the course of a year, they’ll eat different things at different times.
Primarily a mammalian feeder in the spring and summer, this species shifts to eating more insects in the fall. A greater proportion of a juvenile’s diet will consist of insects because of their smaller size.
Due to the fact that blue racers are not strong climbers, birds and bird eggs make up a lower amount of their diet. However, if given the chance, they will devour them.
When kept in captivity, Blue Racer Snakes are enthusiastic predators. During the day, they should be given pinkie or adult mice to eat.
Your snake will thank you if you get rid of the mice. Many snake keepers also swear by mice that have been thawed from the freezer. Mice are readily available as frozen-thawed specimens and are simple to keep on hand.
Blue racers benefit from eating an occasional grasshopper to add diversity to their diet and keep them mentally stimulated. Be aware, though, that mice shouldn’t be fed solely on grasshoppers because they take up too much room in storage.
Last but not least, they need to have a steady supply of potable water.
Your pet blue snake will need a shallow water bowl that it can easily enter and exit. Since racers typically do not soak, they may get away with a smaller bowl.
Lifespan & Health
The average lifespan of a blue racer is around 10 years, however, they can live a little longer in captivity. The average lifespan for men and women is similar. Due to the fact that most blue racers kept as pets are captured in the wild, they are susceptible to the same diseases that affect their wild-caught counterparts. Snakes in the wild are frequently infected by fungi. Symptoms include yellow scales or crusty sores around the mouth and sides of a snake. The presence of parasites like mites and ticks is also a potential issue.
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Whenever you find a tick, you’ll likely find its head buried under a scale. You can spot mites on a snake by looking for a few moving specks around its mouth, snout, and water dish. Holding an infected snake can potentially cause you to develop harmless mites on your hands.
Inadequate housing conditions, like unclean bedding, can promote the growth of bacteria, leading to illness. Sores and pus around the mouth are signs of mouth rot (Ulcerative stomatitis) in a snake.
Signs They Are Healthy
- Scales that shine like the sun
- Vigilant demeanor.
- Proper vision.
- Good appetite.
Signs of Illness
- Skeletal crust.
- Slow actions.
- Boogers in the vicinity of the facial features.
- Poor eating habits or rapid weight reduction.
How to identify blue racer snakes?
The blue racer is a long, slim, greyish-blue snake that can grow to over two metres in length. Their bellies are white, and their masks are a pale golden colour.
Both preocular and postocular scales are present on this species’ heads. They move quickly and are often nervous. These racers are just one of eleven different kinds, and they’re the most peculiar of the lot.
Some species of snakes may also confuse this one for one of their own. Like many other species, when threatened they make rattling noises with their tails in the leaves, making them resemble rattlesnakes. Juvenile blue racers are often mistaken for fox snakes, and adult blue racers for rat snakes.
Where are Blue Racers Found?
The blue racer snake is a native North American species. They are unique in that no other place offers them. The majority of the United States central and midwestern states are home to these snakes.
Blue Racers once populated some regions of Canada. They were actually quite frequent. The development of their former habitats has led to a decline in the Blue Racer snake population.
These snakes were last seen in Ontario, Canada, in the mid-1980s. That means that the United States is the only country they’ve ever known.
The Blue Racer snake is native to a number of states. Likely places to find them include: Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, or Ohio.
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It is quite difficult to find a Blue Racer in the wild. These snakes are uncommon for more than just the little area where they are naturally found.
Blue racer snakes, for one, hate humans and usually avoid built-up regions. They are, in essence, vicious snakes that dislike having their peace disrupted. They would rather be alone.
For this reason, they frequently go unnoticed because they shun all touch with humanity. Since they avoid human settlements, you’ll have to go quite a distance into the wilderness of one of the aforementioned states to see one.
Last but not least, the rise in human activity over the past century has led to a dramatic decline in this snake’s numbers. They’re used to a certain environment, but there aren’t many of those left.
In spite of their aesthetic appeal, these snakes are notoriously difficult to track down. If you do happen to come across one, proceed with caution. They are hostile whenever they sense an approach from a person. In order to avoid provoking the snake and risking a bite, it is essential to keep your distance.
Will a Blue Racer Snake Make a Good Pet?
Do you think it’s possible to catch one of these fast snakes and keep it as a pet? To put it briefly, no. In short, you shouldn’t bring one of these snakes home as a pet. As was previously noted, Racers have an antagonistic attitude toward people and a distaste for the company of nonhuman creatures.
Most people who keep snakes as pets do so because they hope to bond with their reptiles. Corn snakes and ball pythons, two of the most prevalent snake species, are typically friendly and tame when handled.
However, Blue Racer Snakes are the type of reptile that cannot stand being touched. They are also capable of extreme hostility towards people and would likely attack if threatened.
Finally, this species is a conservation priority. Possessing a species on the verge of extinction is unethical. Since their numbers are decreasing, keeping one of these snakes as a pet might not be the best option.
