Owning a snake as a pet may seem unusual to many, but these slithery beauties can be incredibly rewarding companions. While some snakes are known for their gentle nature and enjoy being handled, others are best admired from a distance. This article will guide you through 15 snake species that are friendly and enjoy human interaction, as well as 5 species you should avoid handling.
1. The Ball Python: The Gentle Giant
Ball Pythons are often referred to as the “starter snake” due to their docile nature and manageable size. Growing up to four or five feet, they can easily coil around your arm, providing a sense of companionship without feeling overwhelming. These snakes are known for their tendency to curl into a ball when threatened, hence the name. Their calm demeanor makes them a favorite among beginner snake owners.
Their care is relatively straightforward, requiring a warm environment and a diet of appropriately sized rodents. Ball Pythons are also known for their impressive color morphs, making them visually appealing to collectors. Their predictable behavior and gentle nature make them a perfect choice for those new to snake ownership.
2. Corn Snake: The Colorful Companion
Corn Snakes are another popular choice among snake enthusiasts, primarily due to their vibrant colors and easy-going nature. They are native to North America and are known for their striking patterns that resemble Indian corn, hence the name. These snakes are typically very active and curious, making them fun to watch and interact with.
Corn Snakes are relatively small, usually reaching around three to five feet in length, and they thrive in a simple habitat setup. They are easy to feed and maintain, requiring a diet of small mice. Their friendly disposition and low maintenance needs make them an excellent pet for families and those just starting out with reptiles.
3. California Kingsnake: The Easygoing Explorer
The California Kingsnake is famous for its bold black and white stripes and its curious nature. These snakes are known for their adaptability and resilience, making them suitable for a variety of living conditions. They are generally easy to handle and often enjoy exploring their surroundings.
Kingsnakes are constrictors, feeding on rodents and even other snakes in the wild. However, as pets, they are perfectly content with a diet of mice. Their medium size and striking appearance make them a popular choice for those who want a snake with personality. They thrive with regular handling, which can help them become more comfortable and trusting of their human companions.
4. Rosy Boa: The Gentle Curl
Rosy Boas are small, gentle snakes that are native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They are known for their beautiful, rosy-pink coloration and their calm demeanor. Rosy Boas are slow-moving snakes that enjoy curling up in the palm of your hand, providing a soothing, tactile experience for their owners.
These snakes are relatively easy to care for, requiring a warm environment and a diet of small rodents. They are not known for being aggressive and rarely bite, making them a safe choice for families with children. Their gentle nature and manageable size make them a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, affectionate pet snake.
5. Garter Snake: The Friendly Garden Resident
Garter Snakes are one of the most common snakes found in North America and are known for their adaptability and ease of care. They are relatively small, usually growing to about two to three feet in length, and are known for their slender bodies and distinctive striping.
Garter Snakes are unique in that they can be fed a varied diet, including fish, earthworms, and small rodents. They are generally very active and enjoy exploring their environment, making them entertaining to watch. Their friendly nature and small size make them suitable for beginners and experienced snake owners alike.
6. Children’s Python: The Perfect Starter Pet
The Children’s Python, named after the scientist John George Children, is a small, gentle snake native to Australia. These snakes are known for their calm and docile nature, making them an excellent choice for those new to snake ownership. They are relatively small, usually reaching about three feet in length, and are easy to handle.
Children’s Pythons require a simple habitat setup and a diet of appropriately sized rodents. They are known for their beautiful, iridescent scales that shimmer in the light, adding to their appeal. Their gentle disposition and manageable size make them a favorite among families and individuals looking for a low-maintenance pet snake.
7. Milk Snake: The Vibrant Mimic
Milk Snakes are known for their striking coloration, often resembling the venomous coral snake. However, Milk Snakes are non-venomous and make excellent pets due to their calm nature and ease of care. These snakes are typically very active and enjoy exploring their environment, making them fun to watch.
Milk Snakes are relatively small, usually growing to about three to four feet in length, and require a simple habitat setup. They are easy to feed, thriving on a diet of small rodents. Their beautiful coloration and friendly nature make them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced snake owners.
8. Kenyan Sand Boa: The Burrowing Beauty
The Kenyan Sand Boa is a small, burrowing snake native to East Africa. These snakes are known for their unique behavior of burrowing into the substrate, leaving only their head exposed. They are gentle and easy to handle, making them a great choice for those new to snake ownership.
Kenyan Sand Boas are relatively easy to care for, requiring a warm environment and a diet of small rodents. Their small size and interesting behavior make them a fascinating pet for those looking for something different. They are not known for being aggressive and are generally very tolerant of handling.
9. Western Hognose Snake: The Charming Pretender
Western Hognose Snakes are known for their unique upturned snout and their ability to play dead when threatened. These snakes are native to North America and are known for their docile nature and ease of care. They are relatively small, usually growing to about two to three feet in length, and are easy to handle.
Hognose Snakes are constrictors, feeding on small rodents and occasionally amphibians. They are known for their charming personality and interesting behavior, making them a favorite among snake enthusiasts. Their friendly nature and manageable size make them a great choice for those looking for a unique and entertaining pet snake.
10. Brazilian Rainbow Boa: The Iridescent Wonder
The Brazilian Rainbow Boa is known for its stunning iridescent scales that shimmer in the light, making it one of the most visually striking snakes in the world. These snakes are native to the Amazon rainforest and are known for their calm and gentle nature. They are relatively easy to handle, making them a popular choice among snake enthusiasts.
Rainbow Boas require a warm and humid environment and a diet of appropriately sized rodents. Their beautiful coloration and gentle disposition make them a favorite among those looking for a visually stunning pet snake. They are not known for being aggressive and are generally very tolerant of handling.
11. Carpet Python: The Rug of the Reptile World
Carpet Pythons are known for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, resembling a beautifully woven carpet. These snakes are native to Australia and are known for their calm and easy-going nature. They are relatively large, usually reaching about six to eight feet in length, but are generally easy to handle due to their calm demeanor.
Carpet Pythons require a warm environment and a diet of appropriately sized rodents. Their striking appearance and gentle nature make them a popular choice for those looking for a larger pet snake. They are not known for being aggressive and are generally very tolerant of handling.
12. Smooth Green Snake: The Emerald Gem
The Smooth Green Snake is a small, non-venomous snake native to North America. These snakes are known for their vibrant green coloration and their gentle nature. They are relatively small, usually growing to about two feet in length, and are easy to handle.
Smooth Green Snakes are insectivores, feeding on a diet of crickets and other small insects. Their beautiful coloration and friendly nature make them a popular choice for those looking for a unique and low-maintenance pet snake. They are not known for being aggressive and are generally very tolerant of handling.
13. Baird’s Rat Snake: The Curious Climber
Baird’s Rat Snakes are known for their curious and active nature, often seen climbing and exploring their environment. These snakes are native to the United States and are known for their calm and gentle nature. They are relatively large, usually growing to about four to six feet in length, but are generally easy to handle due to their calm demeanor.
Baird’s Rat Snakes require a warm environment and a diet of appropriately sized rodents. Their curious nature and striking appearance make them a popular choice for those looking for an active and engaging pet snake. They are not known for being aggressive and are generally very tolerant of handling.
14. Rough Green Snake: The Graceful Acrobat
The Rough Green Snake is a small, non-venomous snake native to North America. These snakes are known for their vibrant green coloration and their graceful, acrobatic movements. They are relatively small, usually growing to about two feet in length, and are easy to handle.
Rough Green Snakes are insectivores, feeding on a diet of crickets and other small insects. Their beautiful coloration and graceful movements make them a popular choice for those looking for a unique and low-maintenance pet snake. They are not known for being aggressive and are generally very tolerant of handling.
15. African House Snake: The Friendly Household Companion
African House Snakes are known for their calm and friendly nature, making them a favorite among snake enthusiasts. These snakes are native to Africa and are known for their adaptability and ease of care. They are relatively small, usually growing to about three to four feet in length, and are easy to handle.
African House Snakes require a simple habitat setup and a diet of appropriately sized rodents. Their friendly nature and low-maintenance needs make them an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance pet snake. They are not known for being aggressive and are generally very tolerant of handling.
Snakes to Avoid: The Untouchable Few
While many snakes can be gentle and friendly, there are a few species that are best left to experienced handlers or admired from afar. These snakes include the Black Mamba, known for its speed and venomous bite; the King Cobra, famous for its intimidating size and potent venom; and the Inland Taipan, considered the most venomous snake in the world. Additionally, the Boomslang and the Fer-de-Lance are known for their unpredictable and aggressive behavior, making them unsuitable for handling.
These snakes, while fascinating, require specialized care and handling that is beyond the capabilities of most pet owners. Their venomous nature and aggressive behavior make them dangerous to handle and best left to professionals and experienced snake handlers.
In conclusion, choosing a pet snake can be a rewarding experience for those willing to learn and care for these unique creatures. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can find a gentle and friendly snake that will make a wonderful addition to your family. However, it’s essential to remember that some snakes are best admired from a distance, and handling them may pose significant risks.
Esther is from India; the heartbeat of South Asia, holding a Master’s degree in Zoology and a postgraduate diploma in Animal Welfare. Her enthusiasm for animal welfare drives her passion and dedication to working for animals, ensuring their well-being, and advocating for their rights. With a solid academic background and hands-on experience, she is committed to making a positive impact in the field of animal welfare. In her free time, she enjoys embroidery and sewing. As a Chennaite from Tamil Nadu, Esther loves Bharathanatyam, an Indian classical dance form.
