Snakes, often perceived as mysterious and exotic creatures, have gained popularity as pets. Their unique appeal stems from their quiet nature and relatively low-maintenance care compared to some traditional pets. However, before you decide to bring a slithery friend into your home, it’s crucial to understand the responsibilities and considerations involved in snake ownership. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to determine if keeping a snake as a pet is the right choice for you.
Legality and Regulations Surrounding Pet Snakes
One of the first questions to ask yourself is: “Is it even legal for me to keep a snake as a pet?” The answer isn’t always straightforward and varies significantly depending on your location.
Navigating Local and State Laws
In many regions, keeping reptiles, including snakes, is legal. However, it’s essential to be aware that specific states, cities, and even counties may have regulations or outright bans on certain types of reptiles. These restrictions can cover specific breeds, sizes, or even whether the snake is native or exotic. For instance, some areas might prohibit the keeping of large constrictors like pythons or boa constrictors due to safety concerns.
Permits and Restrictions
Beyond breed-specific bans, some localities require permits to keep certain reptiles. This is often the case if you intend to keep a native snake species captured from the wild. While adopting a captive-bred snake from a reputable breeder or pet store usually bypasses this requirement, it’s always best to verify. Contacting your local US Fish and Wildlife office or animal control services is crucial to ascertain the specific regulations in your area.
It’s also vitally important to remember that releasing a non-native reptile into the wild is illegal and ecologically irresponsible. If you can no longer care for your pet snake, reaching out to a wildlife sanctuary or reptile rescue organization is the ethical and legal course of action.
Choosing the Right Snake Breed for You
Once you’ve confirmed the legality, the next step is deciding what type of snake you’d like to keep. The world of snakes is diverse, and not all species are suitable for beginners.
Venomous vs. Non-Venomous Snakes
A paramount consideration is whether the snake is venomous. For novice snake owners, it is unequivocally recommended to avoid venomous species. Venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, water moccasins, and coral snakes require specialized handling, antivenom access, and pose significant risks even to experienced keepers.
Popular and Beginner-Friendly Pet Snake Breeds
Fortunately, numerous non-venomous snake breeds are well-suited for pet ownership. These domesticated breeds are generally docile, relatively easy to care for, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Popular choices include:
- Corn Snakes: Known for their docile temperament, manageable size, and beautiful color variations, corn snakes are excellent beginner snakes.
- Ball Pythons: Another popular choice, ball pythons are known for their gentle nature and relatively simple care requirements. They are called “ball” pythons because they tend to curl into a tight ball when stressed or frightened.
- Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes: These snakes are often brightly colored and relatively easy to care for. Kingsnakes are known for eating other snakes in the wild, so they should always be housed individually.
- Garter Snakes: Garter snakes are smaller, active snakes that can be interesting to observe. They are native to North America and are generally easy to handle.
- Rat Snakes: Rat snakes are larger than corn snakes but are still manageable and relatively docile. They are active and curious snakes.
- Boa Constrictors: While larger and requiring more experience than the other snakes listed, boa constrictors can be docile when properly handled and are impressive pets for dedicated keepers. It is important to research the specific size and temperament of different boa species as some can grow very large.
When choosing a breed, consider the adult size of the snake to ensure you can provide adequate housing throughout its life.
Preparing Your Home and Enclosure for a Pet Snake
“Pet-proofing” your home takes on a new dimension when you’re preparing for a snake. Snakes have unique needs, and creating a safe and enriching environment is key to their well-being.
Snake-Proofing and General Home Safety
Just like with cats or dogs, certain household hazards need to be addressed for snake safety. Snakes are sensitive to airborne toxins. Harsh chemical cleaners, aerosols, and even strong perfumes can irritate their respiratory systems. When cleaning near your snake’s enclosure, ensure they are safely removed, and the area is well-ventilated afterward.
Setting Up the Ideal Snake Enclosure
Providing the correct enclosure is paramount for a pet snake. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about replicating their natural environment to ensure their health and comfort. Key elements include:
- Tank Size: The enclosure size should be appropriate for the adult size of your chosen snake breed. A general rule is that the length of the enclosure should be at least as long as the snake. For larger snakes like boas, this can mean needing a very substantial enclosure.
- Secure Lid: Snakes are escape artists! A tightly fitting lid with secure latches is essential to prevent escapes.
- Heating and Lighting: Snakes are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. You’ll need to provide a temperature gradient within the enclosure, with a warm basking spot and a cooler side. Appropriate heating elements like under-tank heaters or ceramic heat emitters are necessary. While specialized UVB lighting isn’t always essential for all snake species, it can be beneficial for their overall health and well-being, especially for diurnal species. Research the specific lighting needs of your chosen breed.
- Humidity: Different snake species have varying humidity requirements. Research the ideal humidity levels for your chosen breed and use hygrometers and humidifiers or misters to maintain appropriate levels.
- Substrate: The substrate is the bedding material that lines the bottom of the enclosure. Appropriate substrates include paper towels (easy to clean, good for quarantine), aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or coconut fiber. Avoid cedar and pine shavings, as they contain oils that can be harmful to snakes.
- Hides and Enrichment: Snakes need secure hiding places to feel safe and reduce stress. Provide at least two hides – one on the warm side and one on the cool side of the enclosure. Adding branches, rocks, and other decor can further enrich their environment and encourage natural behaviors.
Snake Compatibility with Other Pets
It’s crucial to understand that snakes are generally not compatible with other types of pets, especially smaller animals. Snakes are predators by nature, and even well-fed pet snakes may see smaller animals like rodents, birds, or even cats and small dogs as potential prey. Never leave a snake unsupervised with other pets. Even if your other pets are larger, they could injure or stress the snake. It’s always safest to keep snakes housed separately from other pets and ensure their enclosure is in a secure location, away from curious paws or noses.
Health and Hygiene Considerations
Snakes, like all animals, can carry diseases. Being aware of potential health risks and practicing good hygiene is essential for both your health and your snake’s well-being.
Zoonotic Diseases like Salmonella
Reptiles, including snakes, are known carriers of Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella can be transmitted to humans through contact with reptile feces or their environment. While not all snakes carry Salmonella, and many healthy adults won’t be affected, it’s particularly important to take precautions to protect children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
General Hygiene Practices
To minimize the risk of Salmonella and other potential health issues:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your snake, cleaning its enclosure, or touching any of its accessories.
- Supervise children closely when they are interacting with the snake and ensure they wash their hands afterward.
- Clean and disinfect the enclosure regularly. Remove feces and soiled substrate promptly. Periodically disinfect the entire enclosure and accessories with a reptile-safe disinfectant.
- Avoid close contact between your snake and food preparation areas. Never clean the snake’s enclosure in the kitchen sink.
Conclusion: Is a Pet Snake Right for You?
Keeping a snake as a pet can be a rewarding experience. They are fascinating creatures that can bring a unique dimension to pet ownership. However, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Before getting a snake, carefully consider the legality in your area, the specific needs of the snake breed you’re interested in, and your ability to provide proper housing, care, and hygiene. Snakes are a long-term commitment, often living for 10-30 years or even longer, depending on the species. If you are prepared to meet their needs and appreciate their unique nature, a snake can be a captivating and rewarding pet.
