Most North American Colubrids are non-venomous, but many North American species possess mildly toxic salivary secretions and short, grooved teeth for delivering it to their prey. The largest Colubrid genus in our neck of the woods is the Garter and Ribbon snakes. Although this collection of 13 species is generally one of the least interesting, it has the distinction of including the most widely distributed snake in North America, the Common Garter Snake. This hardy little guy can be found throughout all the U.S. except the desert Southwest, and well up into Canada. Family Colubridae also count among its members the largest North American serpent, the Indigo Snake.
Indigos live in Florida and the adjacent Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
But the Indigo's 12-inch girth seals its claim to the heavyweight title. The Southern United States' Coachwhip is not without distinction, however, since it is generally acknowledged to be the fastest snake on the continent. The warm-blooded tribe is unlikely to be impressed with the Coachwhip's top speed of 7 mph. Small adults of these species measure a mere 5 inches long. Females of this species can turn out as many as 101 live-born offspring at a whack.