When discovered, the racer will usually flee for shelter, relying on its speed and agility to avoid capture. However, when cornered, its only defense is to strike. Its bite is harmless, but its needle-sharp teeth can cause bleeding. When annoyed, it may rapidly vibrate its tail in the leaf litter, producing a buzzing sound. The racer does not make a good pet because it never gets over its nervous disposition.
Racers are opportunistic predators whose diet is as varied as their choice of habitat.
It feeds on frogs, lizards, snakes, rodents, and birds and their eggs. In Florida, frogs, lizards and small snakes make up the majority of the racer's diet. Despite its scientific name, Coluber constrictor , the racer is not a true constrictor and overpowers its prey by simply grabbing it in its jaws and pressing it against the ground until it stops struggling. Breeding occurs from March through June, and 6-20 eggs are laid from May through August.