6' Red Racer (Black Rat Snake / Black Racer / CoachWhip Snake) in the Desert

A couple of weeks ago I was heading out to Elephant Head, an outcropping of the Santa Ritas mountains just east of my home in Green Valley, Arizona. Came upon this serpiente well off of the road. Could not recognize any physical trauma that would suggest it was struck by an automobile. Anyway, based upon my height of 5'8", I would guestimate this snake to be 6'. i wish I had taken a photo of it's belly... a striking coral, pink, peach color.... The varity here has more of a Red Wine Color... but it is in fact a Coach Whip which is a variant of the Black Rat/Racer Snake. Striking specimen. Really beautiful. No doubt has enjoyed a long life of vermin control.

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