May 2, 2019
Eastern Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum flagellum) by Peter Peplanus
The Eastern coachwhip is a nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to the southern United States.
A common myth is that the Eastern coachwhip will intentionally attack people and whip them with its tail. This is false. In truth, when disturbed this snake will usually quickly flee. It will sometimes vibrate the tip of its tail among the ground litter, making a sound suggestive of a rattlesnake. If trapped, it will aggressively defend itself, striking repeatedly and biting.
