This species eats lizards, snakes, small rodents, amphibians, and insects. Racers actively forage during daylight. When hunting, Racers move rapidly with their head held above the ground. Contrary to the implication of their scientific name, these snakes are not constrictors. Racers will throw a loop of their body over their prey to hold it down, but they do not suffocate their prey prior to eating it.
Racers usually attempt to escape when confronted.
If escape is not possible they rapidly vibrate their tail. When this is done in dry leaves the vibration produces a sound resembling a rattlesnake. Racers thrash back and forth and will bite repeatedly when they are captured.