Big Black Snakes in Maine Are on the Endangered Species List

WOKQ • May 31, 2022

The myth about snakes is they are all bad. They are not bad, nor are they all venomous. Rather, snakes have a very important role in our ecosystem. Snakes prey on rodents, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and serve as a food source for predatory birds and mammals. Black Racers are an endangered species, and as biologists recognize snakes are notoriously misunderstood, they serve a purpose in our world. Black Racers are the largest snake in Maine, growing up to 5 feet long. That's as long as a short human, and can be scary if you happen upon one in the woods. Black Racers look like what you'd imagine.  They are long, sleek and very black, with a white chin and gray underbelly. The good news is out of the nine snake varieties in Maine, none of them are venomous.