Black rat vs black racer

[hvnj]

I know there are some herpetologists on here.  Can any of you tell if this is a black rat or a black racer.   Fairly aggressive when I messed with him and rattled his tail. 

[Bones]

Was his belly white and spotted? If so a rat snake, I’m no expert but that’s how I thought you tell the difference.

[deadonshot2]

Challenge him to a race. If he takes you up on it then you have a racer. If not it is a rat. LOL

[JHbowhunter]

I would just call it a "black snake' that looks like a long one...    

[Tarhunt]

Black snakes don't mess around. They are aggressive. I accidentally cornered one a few years back and it immediately struck at me. I did a back flip that would impress any gymnast. 

Edited June 14, 2020 by Tarhunt

[Buck154]

Black racer. Very fast snake with a bad additude. Worst bite i ever got from a snake was from a Black Racer

[Trophy8]

Black racer for sure. Rat snakes are passive by nature. Markings and body structure say black racer.

Edited June 14, 2020 by Trophy8

[Trophy8]

1 hour ago, Tarhunt said:

Black snakes don't mess around. They are aggressive. I accidentally cornered one a few years back and it immediately struck at me. I did a back flip that would impress any gymnast. 

You were dealing with a black racer, not a black rat snake

[Michael Britt]

It's a Black Racer. Do not try to handle it, they have a bite first, ask questions later type of disposition. Also known to do the rattle threat display with their whip-like tail.

[Livesintrees]

Kill it and then take better pictures.