Red Racer snakes are slender and have red, tan, pink or brown scales running along the back; as well as pink scales covering the underside. Red Racer adult snakes can grow up to 102 inches (260 cm) long and have black crossbars around the neck. They take on a more distinctive reddish appearance as they get older. These reptiles are also known as the Masticophis Pisceus or Red Coachwhip due to distinctive scales on its tail that appear to be braided like a whip.
They are non-venomous and are commonly found in the US (southern California, Arizona and Nevada) and Mexico (Baja California and Sonora). Although the Black Mamba is known as the world’s fastest snake, reaching top speeds of 10-12 mph in short bursts over level ground, the Red Racer is the fastest snake in the desert and can move at up to 7 mph with its whiplike body.
Needless to say, they are at their most comfortable when surrounded by the open and rocky setting of the desert. All snakes tend to be aggressive and the Red Coachwhip is no exception. They live on a diet of small animals such as mice, lizards, other snakes, birds and their eggs, bats and amphibians etc. And kill their prey by crushing them in its jaw - they are not constrictors and do not squeeze their prey to death.
Red Racers are hot-tempered and although they are not poisonous, they are still dangerous and can tear flesh with a single bite. Handling them should be avoided at all times.
They are non-venomous and are commonly found in the US (southern California, Arizona and Nevada) and Mexico (Baja California and Sonora). Although the Black Mamba is known as the world’s fastest snake, reaching top speeds of 10-12 mph in short bursts over level ground, the Red Racer is the fastest snake in the desert and can move at up to 7 mph with its whiplike body.
Needless to say, they are at their most comfortable when surrounded by the open and rocky setting of the desert. All snakes tend to be aggressive and the Red Coachwhip is no exception. They live on a diet of small animals such as mice, lizards, other snakes, birds and their eggs, bats and amphibians etc. And kill their prey by crushing them in its jaw - they are not constrictors and do not squeeze their prey to death.
Red Racers are hot-tempered and although they are not poisonous, they are still dangerous and can tear flesh with a single bite. Handling them should be avoided at all times.
