The North American racer (Coluber constrictor) is a slender, agile snake found in the dry grasslands of British Columbia’s southern interior. Racers have been seen moving with their heads raised, which might help them spot predators or prey – a behaviour known by enthusiasts as “periscoping”. Despite its striking appearance and fascinating behavior, this species is facing significant threats that have led to its classification as imperiled (blue-listed) in BC and threatened in Canada.

Habitat and Range

In BC, North American racers are primarily found in the dry grasslands of the southern Columbia, Okanagan/Similkameen, Kettle, Thompson, Nicola, and middle Fraser drainages. Western yellow-bellied racers, the subspecies primarily found in the Thompson-Nicola, exhibit a high degree of fidelity to specific hibernacula (dens), nesting sites, and summer foraging areas, and appear not to tolerate significant disturbance to these habitats.

Western Yellow-bellied Racer Observation

Threats

The biggest threats to North American Racers are habitat loss and fragmentation due to development, grazing practices, and fire. The expansion of agriculture, urbanization, and road construction have led to the destruction and degradation of their habitat. Road mortality is a particular concern.

What You Can Do To Help

• As many North American racers live in grazed grasslands, research on how different grazing practices affect their reproduction and population would be beneficial.
• If you see a snake basking on a road in the fall in the Thompson-Nicola, please take a photo and submit to GeoKeeper and/or iNaturalist apps. Alternatively report it to the relevant local government and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Additional Resources

• BC Conservation Data Center, Conservation Status Report for North American Racer
• iNaturalist Observations

Photo credit: Daryl Nolan CCO