What is this snake? (identification please)

[Martin Aston]

Hello all. Can someone possibly identify the snake in this photo for me? I have attached it as a PDF document and you will have to enlarge it to see the snake clearly.

This snake is in my backyard with children playing nearby. What is it?! It is about four feet long (1 m).

I am located in Gainesville, Florida, USA.

Thank you for your answers!

[Jim Smith]

Looks like a black racer to me. Completely harmless and beneficial to have around.

[FWK]

Agree, Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus). Harmless/nonvenomous. These will actually eat other snakes, including venomous snakes, as well as rodents and other pests. Nice find, thanks for sharing.