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Baron’s Racer Snakes at Hertfordshire Zoo

Philodryas baroni is a species of mildly venomous snake endemic to South America, they are a mainly arboreal species active throughout the day, and is known for its long nose, with a wide distinctive head to its slender body.


Colouration can vary from green, brown and blue but all individuals will have the charismatic black stripe running down the length of the their back.

  • Least Concern
  • Near Threatened
  • Vulnerable
  • Endangered
  • Critically Endangered
  • Extinct in the Wild
  • Extinct

The Baron’s Racer Snake is a mildly venomous, rear-fanged colubrid snake native to South America. Recognised for its slender body and striking green or olive colouring, it is a fast-moving and arboreal species. Despite being mildly venomous, it poses little threat to humans and is more likely to flee than bite when encountered.

Is the Baron’s Racer snake dangerous to humans?

Despite being mildly venomous, the Baron’s Racer snake is not considered to be dangerous to humans. If bitten by a Barons Racer, humans may feel a painful bruise and swelling at the location of the bite.

Does the Baron’s Racer lay eggs?

The Barons Racer does lay eggs, which hatch after several weeks depending on temperature and humidity.

How does the Baron’s Racer defend themself against threats?

The Baron’s Racer ay flee quickly, flatten its body to appear larger, or deliver a defensive bite if threatened.

Key Facts

Family:
Colubridae
Diet:
Carnivorous – reptiles, amphibians, birds, small mammals
Life Span:
10 to 15 years
Number of Young:
5 - 15 eggs per clutch.
Distribution:
South America -Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay
Habitat:
Subtropical forests, shrubland, savannas
Length:
up to 1.5 metres
Weight:
Approx 300 - 500 grams
Did you know?
Its green or olive-coloured scales provide excellent camouflage in leafy environments, helping it avoid predators and sneak up on prey.

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