Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum · Colubridae
Also called: Eastern Coachwhip, Whip Snake
One of the fastest snakes in North America, named for its braided whip-like tail. Harmless, but its speed and alertness startle people. The 'chases you' myth is just it fleeing.
What the Coachwhip looks like
How to identify it
- 1Long, very slender body that fades from dark head to tan tail
- 2Scales on the tail look like a braided leather whip
- 3Large eyes; often holds its head up like a periscope
- 4Moves remarkably fast
Snakes it's confused with
Also fast and slender, but uniformly colored without the braided whip tail.
Behavior & danger to humans
Fast and nervous; may bite if cornered but is harmless.
✓ Good news: Harmless. The myth that it whips or chases people is false.
Related snakes
Non-venomousCorn Snake
Pantherophis guttatus
A harmless, beneficial constrictor and one of the most popular pet snakes in the world. Frequently mistaken for the venomous copperhead.
Non-venomousEastern Ratsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
A large, harmless constrictor and one of the best natural rodent controllers around homes and farms. Juveniles are gray and blotched, leading to copperhead confusion.
Non-venomousNorthern Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
A harmless aquatic snake constantly killed out of fear that it is a cottonmouth. It bites readily when grabbed but has no venom.
Non-venomousScarlet Kingsnake
Lampropeltis elapsoides
A harmless coral snake mimic. Its red bands touch black bands — 'red touches black, friend of Jack' — separating it from the venomous coral snake.