northern Louisiana are slate-gray or blue-gray with white spots (Buttermilk racer); scales smooth.
Habits: Racers prefer open country and partially open woodlands. They are considered partially arboreal and can be found in briar tangles, shrubs and low trees. Racers will bite readily when caught and are often territorial in spring, standing their ground when approached instead of fleeing.
Distribution: Racers may be found throughout Louisiana.
Comments: Racers are non-venomous snakes. The juvenile racer is markedly different in appearance from the adult, being pale gray with a row of reddish brown spots down the back and smaller spots on the sides. A racer's diet includes small birds, rodents, snakes, lizards, frogs and insects. Despite the scientific name, food is not constricted.