10/01/2026
🐍 Wildlife Wednesday: Southern Black Racer!
If you spot a sleek black snake crossing a sunny trail at Lake Louisa State Park, it may be a southern black racer! Despite their intimidating name, black racers are nonvenomous and generally prefer to speed away rather than confront people.
These quick and curious snakes play an important role in the park’s ecosystem by helping control populations of insects, frogs, lizards and small rodents. You can often recognize an adult by its slender black body, smooth scales and pale gray or white chin.
If you encounter one, give it plenty of space and allow it to continue on its way. Remember—snakes are an important part of Florida’s wild places! 💚
