MSA, need snake ID If possible

[( deleted account )]

The other day, bright sunlight, mid afternoon, I walked out on our lawn and darned if a small dark colored snake, could be dark brown or verydark green, no markings but didn’t see belly, about maybe 6-8 inches long suddenly appeared and jumped, yes, seemed to JUMP, about a foot into a hole about 1/3of an inch across! Unfortunately I only saw it for a second or so, not until it jumped. It might have squirmed really fast along,the ground, but as I only saw it for a second, it was so fast it looked like it jumped, with a perfect 10 nosedive down tis perfectly round hole.
I should have put a trail cam over the hole but didn’t think of it till later, and then couldn’t find the darned hole!
i looked up,all,the various racer families on the internet. None describe a snake this small (6 inches) that could be that fast, but for every BIG racer I suppose there was once a little one!
If is any help,this little guy was so fast it didn’t show any slithering along moveent like snakes Im used to, just appeared to jump a foot in a second.
Was I seeing things, or anyone have any suggestions? For the record, I’ve caught lots of crawlers and know how fast they can be but this was definitely not a crawler.
Thanks.

 

[PrairieGhost]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smooth_green_snake

 

[thriller1]

https://gf.nd.gov/wildlife/id/herps/northern-prairie-skink

Maybe this? I saw some of these around Lake Ashtabula. Dang fast and sort of fits the description.

 

[Brian Renville]

Sure sounds like a racer.

 

[MSA]

Where do you live? I might guess Red belly snake. Baby racers have a distinct pattern n markings. Red bellies vary from solid tan, brown, light gray, or dark bluish gray. this time of year its hard to see racers that size since the babies from last year are already bigger than that and theres no new hatchlings yet.

 

[( deleted account )]

Unlikely to be a skink which is more like a lizard or salamander. I’ve seen a few in Eastern ND and they are surprisingly fast little guys, too. Green snake a bit too green.
I researched the red bellied snake. Never heard of it before but supposed to be lots from central Canada all the way to Texas. Small. Nocturnal in the summer but up and at em all day in spring and fallwhen cooler. Variable color, and the one I saw matches perfectly with pictures of the dark ones. Tapered smoothly like the one I saw and the right size. The only thing it didn’t mention was anything about speed, though I suppose any snake can burn it if startled and not far from its hole. Especially when an ugly guy like me comes along.
So I think MSA is correct and gets the Snake Knowlege Prize! Again! Sure opened my eyes about a tiny snake I’d never heard of. Thanks MSA

 

[LBrandt]

You need to limit your booze consumption. ::: :;:

 

[Retired Educator]

Had never heard of a red-bellied snake until a couple weeks ago. Was walking along a trail in a pasture and found a small dead snake. Was very thin and about 6-8 inches long. Picked it up and it had a brownish back and a very red belly, hence the name. Had no idea what it was until I looked up "Snakes of ND." Definitely looked exactly like the picture and saw that they are native to this area.

Obviously, since it was dead, I have no idea how quick or fast it was. Learn something everyday.

 

[Allen]

Anyone want a few garter snakes? I have way more than I need!

 

[Toby]

Red belly snake for sure, they only grow to 12" at adulthood. They are non poisonous and don't have fangs that can piece human skin. They are more common in the northern part of the state but I have found many here in the southern part, usually in sandy soils. They are similar to a grass snake, the green ones that are found every now and then. They are fun to catch and play with, somewhat hostile at first but once you give them a cricket or 2 you can handle them like a pet. They will also scoop up nightcrawlers like no body's business. Had one when I was younger, changed different colors depending on what it ate, was really weird. More so black when it was fed just crickets and more so brown with worms...red belly was always the same. Had it for 2 years and then it died. From my understanding they don't live that long.

 

[( deleted account )]

Interesting reports. Wish I could have seen it’s belly. Maybe next time.