A long, slender, exceptionally fast North American colubrid whose tail is patterned like a braided whip.
Description
Coachwhips are slim, large-eyed snakes commonly exceeding 2 m, with smooth scales that progress from dark brown or black at the head to tan along the tail, producing a braided-leather appearance. Several subspecies vary widely from solid pink to bicoloured forms.
Behavior
Active diurnal hunters, coachwhips chase prey at high speed, often raising the head well off the ground to scan their surroundings. They eat lizards, rodents, and even other snakes. Folklore claims they whip people with their tails, but the smooth tail scales just look the part.
Range
Found across the southern United States from California east to North Carolina and south into northern Mexico, with a strong preference for sandy, well-drained habitats. They are common but secretive, often retreating rapidly into burrows when approached.
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