Black Snakes That Live in Florida

While many populations of black snakes are declining, Florida remains home to several species that live in various upland and swampy areas. Although the Eastern Indigo and Black Racer are the species formally regarded as "black snakes," the Black Pinesnake and the Black Swampsnake also share this black coloration. Though intimidating, all of these snakes are non-venomous and important parts of our ecosystem.

  1. Black Racer

    • Black Racers, often called Eastern Racers, are fast and slender. Its scales are smooth and its chin is customarily white. Young Black Racers, on the other hand, have red blotches on their backs. In contrast to snakes that constrict and kill their prey, Racers sometimes swallow it alive. When approached, they will either escape or make a hissing sound. Though they are efficient climbers, most of their time is spent on the ground, where they feed on frogs, lizards and mice.

    Black Pinesnake

    • The Black Pinesnake has keeled scales, a short tail and is almost uniformly black with the exception of a few white scales. The Florida Museum of Natural History explains that the Black Pinesnake often breeds with the Florida Pine Snake to produce dark brown young. It is found in the Florida forests, often burrowing in sandy soil. When threatened, its body will inflate and it may hiss loudly. It feeds mostly on small rodents, rabbits and birds.

    Black Swampsnake

    • The Black Swampsnake is small with smooth scales and a bright red or orange belly. The female snakes are longer and heavier but the males have much thicker tails. These animals feed primarily on leeches, fish, tadpoles and salamanders. As the name suggests, they inhabit swampy areas and wetlands such as ponds and the edges of lakes. While these snakes are numerous and active during the night and day, their secretive nature ensures that they are seldom seen.

    Eastern Indigo Snake

    • The Eastern Indigo snake is most populous in northern and southern Florida. Regarded as the longest snake in the United States, the Eastern Indigo is mostly black with a spattering of red on the cheeks and chin. Snakes that live in the Florida Keys, however, feature less red coloration. In completing its annual cycle, this species inhabits a range of areas, from flatwoods to marshes and fields. It feeds on lizards, fish, birds and turtle eggs.