Maine’s Largest Native Snake is Over 5 Feet Long and Can Slither More Than 10 MPH

Maine is full of native wildlife that, in all honesty, most of us consider to be pretty harmless. You know, unless you piss off a black bear or a rutting bull moose. Yes indeed, Maine wildlife, compared to other states like Florida and Texas, is pretty darn docile.

One thing we have been talking about recently is snakes in Maine. Like have you heard of the Eastern Milk Snake, a snake that lives in Maine that actually rattles, though it's NOT a rattlesnake? Crazy, huh?

Well, all of that led to the beginning of asking questions about other snakes in Maine, like which ones live in the water, which ones thrive in the heat, and which snake is Maine's biggest.

It didn't take long to find answers to all of our lingering questions, but we're going to address Maine's largest native snake, the Black Racer.

Now sure, you could go see Mr. Drew & His Animals Too and see MUCH larger snakes than the black racer, but we're talking about snakes that are naturally found in the woods of Maine.

Say hello to the largest native snake in Maine, the Black Racer.

Now don't argue with me and tell me that your brother's cousin's uncle's sister-in-law saw a snake twice this size under her doublewide last May. That may be the case, but according to Maine.Gov, this one is the biggest, pal.

The Black Racer is a constrictor-style snake meaning it doesn't bite as its primary defense mechanism, it constricts. Duh.

Oh, I should also mention, these are an endangered species, don't chop their heads off if you see one.

For starters, they don't want to hurt you. Secondly, if you let them get on their way, they will, and very quickly I might add. These little puppies can slither at speeds of more than 10 miles per hour. That's quick for something with no legs. Or Arms. Or Feet. Or feelings. JK, I'm sure they have feelings.

How big are they? Five feet. Yes, these snakes can grow to more than 60 inches long. That's pretty wild considering I'm only 5'6" (and a half). So thinking about a snake that could be almost eye-to-eye with me is pretty wild.

According to Savannah River Ecology Lab at the University of Georgia,

They eat a wide variety of prey including insects, lizards, snakes, birds, rodents, and amphibians. Racers are faster than most other snakes, very agile, and generally flee when approached, often climbing into small trees or shrubs. If cornered, however, they do not hesitate to bite. Although primarily terrestrial, they climb well and are occasionally observed sleeping in vegetation at night. Racers mate in the spring, and females lay up to 36 eggs in early summer. Eggs hatch in late summer or early fall.

Check out these cute little Black Racers below!