They inhabit dry, sandy, open, oak and pine woodlands. They are also found in grassy dunes and scrub. The eggs resemble Racer eggs. They are slightly larger but they are also elongated and are covered with nodules. They eat insects, snakes, lizards, birds, bird eggs, and small rodents.
Coachwhips are very fast active foragers.
They often hunt with their heads raised above the ground. They flee when confronted and may disappear in a mammal hole or tree. If escape is impossible a Coachwip will probably vibrate its tail and strike repeatedly. When they bite defensively they cause lacerations by sinking their teeth into the predator and then pulling away.