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Racer

(Coluber constrictor)

Identification: Upper scales smooth (unkeeled), plain brown or olive in adults; belly plain yellow or cream; eyes large; anal scale divided; nostril bordered by two separate scales; usually 15 rows of scales on back and sides just in front of the vent; small scale wedged between upper lip scales at front edge of eye; adults often 56–82 cm (22-32 inches) snout-vent length.  

Hatchling: Upper side with numerous brown blotches; blotched pattern disappears when snake reaches approximately 50 cm (20 inches) snout-vent length; eyes relatively large.

Colorado Distribution: Eastern Colorado (widespread and common) and valleys and canyons of western Colorado (more localized and less common).    

Habitat: Eastern Colorado: prairie grasslands, sandhills, open riparian woodlands, and shrubby foothills and canyons. Western Colorado: semidesert shrublands and lowland riparian habitats and adjacent areas in valleys and canyon bottoms, in some areas ranging into rocky piñon-juniper woodlands bordering valley bottoms. Both regions: agricultural areas where farming and ranching operations are mixed with patches of undisturbed habitat. Primarily active on ground, also commonly climbs into shrubs and small trees. Daily retreats in spring and summer include rodent burrows and spaces under rocks or plants. Hibernates in deep rock crevices, sometimes beneath buildings or in structures; may hibernate with other snake species.

Life History: Females lay eggs, sometimes communally, in June-July. Hatchlings emerge in August-September. These fast-moving, agile snakes feed opportunistically on a wide assortment of insects and small vertebrates.