CINCINNATI ZOO GUIDE 
The Black Snake ( Coluber constrictor ), United States. It is 
absolutely harmless, being devoid of fangs, though it frequently 
attains a size so that its appearance is certain to cause a fright. 
It is sometimes called the racer because of its great speed. 
Though not a dangerous snake, it has an irascible temper, and 
will frequently attack the object of its wrath, inflicting a severe 
bite. Its haunts are the edges of streams, ponds and lakes, and 
it is most frequently found in shady places. Being fond of rats 
and other vermin, it is really a useful reptile. 
The Indigo Snake ( Spilotes couperi). The color of this snake 
is a dark indigo blue. It resembles the black snake; however, it 
has a thicker body. Because it frequents the burrows of the 
gopher, it is sometimes called the gopher snake. It is quite 
common in Florida. 
The Scarlet King Snake ( Ophibolus doliatus). Also an inhab¬ 
itant of Florida, though it is found as far north as North 
Carolina. It is usually three feet in length. 
The Corn Snake {Callopeltis guttatus)^ Southern States. One of 
the most handsome of the reptiles. It is common in many parts 
of Florida, though not very frequently seen. It remains in hiding 
during the day, and as soon as the sun sets, it comes forth from 
its hiding place and renders service to man by catching rats and 
mice. Its general color is a rich chestnut red, with patches of a 
brighter and deeper red edged with black running along its sides. 
The Pine Snake ( Pityophis melanolencus). Also called the bull 
snake; is found in the eastern part of the United States. 
The Chicken Snake ( Callopeltis quadrivittatus) . Found in the 
Southern States. It gets its name because of the fact that it is 
an inveterate chicken thief. It enters farmyards and steals 
young chickens. 
Common Garter Snake ( Thamophis sirtalis). These are found 
in all parts of America. There are several varieties. 
The Coach Whip Snake ( Bascanium flagellum). This is 
peculiar to the Gulf States. It is so called because of its long and 
slender shape, resembling the thong of a coach whip. They are 
generally grey in color. 
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