BLACKWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Md. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently captured footage of a northern black racer snake exhibiting a rare moment of stillness amid grass and vegetation.

Known as “North America’s speed noodle,” the northern black racer is one of the fastest snakes on the continent. While not the world’s fastest—that distinction goes to the black mamba, capable of reaching 12 mph—the black racer is still renowned for its agility. Despite its name, the snake poses no threat to humans and plays a vital role in natural rodent control.

Found from Maine to Georgia, this subspecies of the eastern racer uses its forked tongue to detect scent particles, helping it navigate its environment, locate prey, and avoid danger.

The video, recorded at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge by Holly Keepers, shows the sleek black snake with a white chin calmly flicking its tongue at the camera—a rare, close-up look at one of nature’s swiftest movers.

Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service