Coachwhip

Eastern coachwhips can grow to an average of 4-6 feet in length. They are usually black on the head and neck with the color fading to tan at the tail. This is a very long and slender snake with large and prominent eyes that have yellow irises. Adults typically have a dark brown or black head, neck, and anterior (front) part of the body, which changes to light tan posteriorly. Juveniles are brown or tan with indistinct dark crossbands down the neck and back. Coachwhips are not dangerous to people or pets, but they will readily bite to defend themselves. Coachwhips are not aggressive and avoid direct contact with people and pets. Virtually all bites occur when the snakes are intentionally molested. Coachwhips generally prefer hot and dry habitats with open canopies. These snakes are often locally abundant and occur primarily in pine and palmetto flatwoods, longleaf pine-turkey oak sandhills, scrub, and along beaches interspersed with sand dunes, sea oats, and grape vines. Adults and juveniles of this species can be found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats.