12 Pet Snakes That Don’t Bite (A Quick Guide for Beginners)
For those venturing into the world of pet snakes, the idea of owning a reptile that won’t bite can be both comforting and exciting. While snakes have long been regarded as intimidating creatures, it’s important to remember that not all snakes are created equal when it comes to their temperament.
In fact, there are several species of snakes renowned for their docile nature, making them ideal companions for beginner snake owners.
Pet snakes that don’t bite include:
- African Egg-Eating Snake
- Ball Python
- California King Snake
- Cape House Snake
- Corn Snake
- Kenyan Sand Boa
- Milk Snake
- Ringneck Snake
- Rosy Boa
- Rubber Boas
- Sunbeam Snake
- Western Hognose Snake
Keep reading to learn more about these snakes and what makes them suitable for beginners.
Do All Snakes Bite?
While snakes have the capability to bite, not all snakes are prone to biting humans or other animals.
Snakes typically resort to biting as a defensive response when they feel threatened or cornered. However, some snakes, particularly those that have been well-socialized and regularly handled by humans, tend to be more accustomed to human presence and are generally less prone to biting.
It’s important to remember that each snake is an individual with its own personality, so it’s crucial to approach and handle any snake, regardless of its reputation, with caution and respect.
The 12 Pet Snakes That Don’t Bite
There are several pet snake species known for their docile nature and lower tendency to bite. So, let’s discuss these species in more detail:
African Egg-Eating Snake
African Egg-Eating Snakes are relatively small, typically reaching lengths of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) when fully grown. These snakes have slender bodies with smooth scales, and they come in various colorations, including shades of brown, gray, and black. Some may also have patterns or markings on their scales.
They are generally considered non-aggressive and rarely bite humans. As their name suggests, their diet primarily consists of bird eggs, and they have adapted specialized teeth and jaws to consume them without the need for biting. When it comes to handling, they tend to be calm and are less likely to bite when properly cared for and handled with care.
Ball Python
Ball pythons are medium-sized snakes, with adult lengths ranging from 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 cm) on average. They have a stocky build and display a range of colors and patterns, including earth tones, blacks, and whites, with distinctive markings such as blotches, stripes, or spots.
The name Ball Pythons comes from their defensive behavior of curling into a tight ball when threatened. They are known for their docile temperament and are considered one of the most gentle snake species. They are less prone to biting unless they feel threatened or stressed.
California King Snake
California King Snakes are moderate-sized snakes, typically ranging from 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 cm) in length when fully grown. They have slender bodies with smooth scales and distinctive banding patterns that consist of alternating colors such as black, white, yellow, or brown, creating an eye-catching appearance.
They generally have a mild temperament and rely on constriction to subdue their prey rather than biting, so they are less likely to bite humans. With regular handling and proper care, they tend to become even more docile and comfortable in human presence.
Cape House Snake
Cape House Snakes are relatively small to medium-sized snakes, typically ranging from 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) in length when fully grown. These snakes have a slender bodies with smooth scales. They can vary in color, with individuals exhibiting shades of brown, gray, or olive. Some may have patterns or speckling on their scales.
They are generally considered non-aggressive and have a lower tendency to bite humans. unless provoked or mishandled. Regular and gentle handling can help maintain their docile behavior.
Corn Snake
Corn Snakes are medium-sized snakes, typically reaching lengths between 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 cm) when fully grown, but some individuals may grow slightly longer. They have a slender and elongated body with smooth scales that often have a glossy appearance and they come in a wide variety of vibrant colors and patterns, including reds, oranges, yellows, browns, and blacks.
These snakes are well-known for their docile nature and are considered one of the most gentle pet snake species. They are generally less prone to biting humans, especially when properly handled and socialized.
Kenyan Sand Boa
Kenyan Sand Boas are small to medium-sized snakes, typically ranging from 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) in length when fully grown, with females often growing larger and heavier than males.
These snakes have a unique appearance, featuring a stout and cylindrical body with smooth scales. They also have a sand-like coloration that blends well with their natural habitat, ranging in shades of tan, brown, or reddish-brown.
Kenyan Sand Boas are generally non-aggressive and known for their relatively docile nature. With proper handling and regular interaction, they will become more accustomed to human contact and lee prone to bite.
Milk Snake
Milk Snakes are medium-sized snakes that typically range from 2 to 5 feet (60 to 150 cm) in length when fully grown. However, their exact size can vary depending on the specific subspecies.
They have smooth bodies with glossy scales and a slender build. They are known for their striking and vibrant coloration, as they exhibit a pattern of alternating bands of red, black, and yellow or white, which can resemble the venomous coral snake’s pattern (red touch yellow, kill a fellow); however, Milk Snakes are non-venomous.
Milk Snakes have a generally calm temperament and are not prone to biting unless provoked or mishandled. They can be easily handled and respond well to regular interaction. With proper care and socialization, they tend to be docile and rarely, if ever, exhibit aggressive behavior.
Ringneck Snake
Ringneck Snakes are small to medium-sized snakes, typically measuring between 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) in length when fully grown.
These snakes have a slender and cylindrical body with smooth scales and they are usually dark in color, often black or dark gray, with a distinctive yellow, orange, or red band encircling their neck region. Some subspecies may also exhibit additional markings or patterns.
They s are generally non-aggressive and are known for their secretive nature and prefer to retreat or hide rather than engage in defensive behaviors. When handled with care, they are highly unlikely to bite humans.
Rosy Boa
Rosy Boas are small to medium-sized snakes, typically ranging from 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) in length when fully grown. They are generally considered compact and manageable species.
They have a robust and cylindrical body with smooth scales mad they display a range of color variations depending on the subspecies, including shades of brown, orange, pink, and cream. They also have distinct markings or patterns, such as speckles or stripes, adding to their visual appeal.
Rosy Boas have a reputation for being docile and rarely bite unless severely threatened or mishandled. They are generally tolerant of handling and respond well to regular interaction and socialization. With proper care, they will maintain a calm demeanor.
Rubber Boas
Rubber Boas are small to medium-sized snakes, typically ranging from 1 to 2.5 feet (30 to 75 cm) in length when fully grown. They have a stout and cylindrical body, giving them a stocky appearance and unique features, including a blunt and rounded head, small eyes, and smooth scales.
Their coloration varies, but they often have earthy tones such as brown, olive, or gray. Some of them may also exhibit patterns or markings on their scales.
Rubber Boas are known for their gentle temperament and are not prone to biting. They are considered one of the most docile snake species. When threatened, their common defensive behavior is to curl into a ball and hide their head, rather than bite.
Sunbeam Snake
Sunbeam Snakes are medium-sized snakes, typically ranging from 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) in length when fully grown. They have slender bodies and relatively small heads.
They are named for their unique iridescent scales that reflect a range of colors, resembling a beam of sunlight. They have a smooth and glossy appearance, with colors ranging from shades of reddish-brown, copper, or purple.
Sunbeam Snakes are generally non-aggressive and have a low tendency to bite humans. They are known for their calm temperament, even when handled. With proper care, they can become quite docile.
Western Hognose Snake
Western Hognose Snakes are small to medium-sized snakes, typically ranging from 2 to 3.5 feet (60 to 105 cm) in length when fully grown. They have a thick, muscular body with keeled scales and a stout, slightly upturned snout, which gives them a distinctive appearance.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including shades of brown, gray, or reddish-brown. Some of them may also exhibit blotches, stripes, or speckling on their scales.
Western Hognose Snakes have a fascinating defense mechanism where they may bluff, hiss, or even play dead when threatened. Biting is uncommon, and if it occurs, it is usually a mild form of aggression rather than an attempt to harm.
With proper care and regular handling, they can become quite tame and are less prone to biting.
It’s important to note that while all the previously mentioned snake species are known for their non-biting tendencies, individual behavior can still vary. Proper handling techniques, providing suitable habitats, and respecting their natural behaviors are crucial to maintaining their docile nature and reducing the risk of biting incidents.
Other Factors to Consider When Getting A Pet Snake As A Beginner
When getting a pet snake as a beginner, there are several other factors to consider beyond the snake’s biting tendencies. So, let’s break down these factors in more detail:
- Experience and Research: Evaluate your level of experience and knowledge about snake care. Research different snake species, their specific care requirements, and their temperament. Choose a snake species that aligns with your capabilities and interests.
- Size and Lifespan: Consider the adult size and lifespan of the snake species you’re interested in. Some snakes, such as boas and pythons, can grow quite large and require larger enclosures. If you want a small pet snake that’s easy to handle, check out my guide to snakes that stay small here.
- Feeding and Diet: Learn about the dietary needs of the snake species you’re considering. Most snakes feed on rodents, but some species may have specific dietary requirements or preferences. Consider the availability and cost of providing appropriate food for your snake.
- Enclosure and Habitat: Understand the specific housing requirements for the snake species you’re interested in. Research the appropriate size, temperature, humidity levels, substrate, hiding spots, and any specific environmental needs. Ensure you can provide a suitable habitat before bringing the snake home.
- Handling and Socialization: Consider your comfort level with handling snakes and your willingness to dedicate time to socialize and interact with your pet. Some snake species may require more handling and socialization than others to remain tame and comfortable with human contact.
- Availability and Legality: Check the availability and legality of owning the snake species in your region. Some snake species may be restricted or require permits. Ensure that you are legally allowed to keep the snake species you desire.
- Budget: Consider the financial aspects of snake ownership, including the cost of purchasing the snake, setting up the enclosure, ongoing feeding costs, veterinary care, and any other supplies or equipment needed.
- Time and Commitment: Snakes, like any other pets, require time and commitment for proper care, feeding, cleaning, and monitoring of their health. Consider your availability and willingness to dedicate time to ensure the well-being of your pet snake.
It’s crucial to thoroughly research and understand these factors before bringing a pet snake into your home. Consulting with experienced snake owners or reptile experts can provide valuable insights and guidance for your journey as a beginner snake owner.
Conclusion
While snakes have the potential to bite, there are numerous species known for their docile nature and lower likelihood of biting. These snakes make excellent choices for beginners due to their manageable sizes, ease of care, and gentle temperaments. ‘
Overall, choosing a pet snake as a beginner can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It’s important to consider factors such as the snake’s temperament, size, appearance, and care requirements, so you can make an informed decision that suits your capabilities and preferences.
By delving into the captivating world of pet snakes, you can discover a remarkable companion that will bring both fascination and joy to your journey as a snake owner.
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