Snakes come in a variety of colors, from green, brown and black to more vibrant shades like red, yellow and white. However, one color that generates a lot of curiosity is pink. Do pink snakes really exist in nature or are they just a myth?
The short answer is yes, pink snakes do exist but they are extremely rare. Most reports of pink snakes turn out to be albino snakes that appear pinkish due to the lack of melanin. True naturally pink snakes have only been documented a handful of times.
What Causes Snakes to be Pink?
For a snake to be naturally pink, it needs to have a genetic mutation that causes an excess of red pigment (and deficiency in other colors like black/brown). This is similar to albinism but instead of a lack of melanin, there is an overproduction of red pigments.
Some of the potential causes of natural pink coloration in snakes include:
– Erythrism – A rare genetic condition where there is excessive red pigmentation. Similar to albinism but instead of a lack of melanin, there is excessive production of red pigments.
– Diet – In some cases, a high intake of carotenoids from prey items like shrimp and pink birds can lead to pinkish coloration in snakes. However, this is rare and temporary.
– Selective breeding – Breeders may selectively breed snakes over generations for rare pink morphs. However, these are captive-bred not wild pink snakes.
– Environmental factors – Cooler temperatures during development may also favor production of red pigments over black/brown. However, the influence is minor.
So in summary, while diet and environment can contribute, true natural pink snakes are mostly attributed to genetic mutations like erythrism. It’s an extremely rare phenomenon in the wild.
Examples of Pink Snakes
Very few naturally pink snakes have been documented. Here are some of the rare examples:
Pink Reticulated Python
In 2009, a pink reticulated python was found in the jungles of Indonesia. It was estimated to be about 2 years old and measured around 5 feet long. The snake had a clearly visible pink and white complexion instead of the normal dark brown, black and tan reticulated pattern.
It was believed to have erythrism, a rare genetic mutation that caused overproduction of red pigments. The snake was captured but there have been no reported sightings of it since then.
Pink Burmese Python
In 2012, a pink burmese python was spotted and photographed in a national park in India. However, it slithered away before researchers could capture it. The 12 foot long snake was brightly pinkish-orange in color instead of olive green or brown.
Once again, erythrism was cited as the likely cause. There are no other confirmed sightings of that individuals but locals continue to share alleged pink burmese python sightings.
Pink Amazon Tree Boa
In 2020, a neon pink amazon tree boa was found in the jungles of Guyana. It stood out vividly against the greens and browns of the forest. The snake was captured and taken into captivity shortly after being discovered.
Its pinkish-purple sheen was attributed to an erythristic genetic mutation. This was one of the only documented cases of a pink tree boa.
Pink Ball Python
Ball python morphs with pink shades are quite popular in the pet trade. However, natural pink ball pythons are extremely rare.
One wild-caught specimen nicknamed the “sunrise lemon pink pastel ball python” gained attention. It had distinct pink and yellow hues instead of the usual black and brown. The morph was likely bred in captivity but the exact origins remain unclear.
So while pink ball python breeding projects are gaining traction, naturally pink individuals are still elusive.
Have Pink Snakes Been Found in the US?
In the United States, no naturally pink specimens of native snake species have been documented. However, a few sightings have made headlines:
– In 2015, hikers in California claimed to have seen a bright pink rattlesnake but it slithered away before they could photograph it.
– There are occasional local reports and blurry videos of pink snakes in Florida but most are believed to be albino snakes that appear pinkish.
– A baby coral snake with abnormal pink bands instead of the typical red, yellow and black was found in Texas in the late ’90s. It was suspected to have a rare genetic mutation but the snake died shortly after in captivity.
So while there have been alleged sightings, there is no concrete evidence of truly naturally pink snakes being found in America yet. Pink morphs do sometimes pop up in captivity but are still extremely rare.
Are Pink Snakes Venomous or Dangerous?
Pink snakes are not any more venomous or dangerous than their normally pigmented counterparts. Color and venom levels are independent traits in snakes.
For example, a pink rattlesnake found in the US would have the same potency of venom as normal tan or black rattlesnakes in the region. The color has no direct correlation with venom toxicity.
That said, it’s important to still treat brightly colored pink snakes with the same caution you would other wild snakes, regardless of their unusual appearance. Don’t attempt to touch or pick them up.
Here are some pink snake species that could be highly venomous if they were found in the wild:
| Snake Species | Venom Level |
|---|---|
| Pink coral snake | Highly venomous |
| Pink rattlesnake | Venomous |
| Pink cobra | Extremely venomous |
So while the color pink itself does not make a snake more dangerous, some pink snake species can be highly venomous simply based on their normal venom toxicity. It’s not directly connected to the pink coloration.
Why Don’t More Wild Snakes Have Pink Coloration?
Pink coloration is extremely rare in the wild because it is not beneficial for survival and camouflage. Some reasons why pink isn’t common natural color in snakes:
– Pink stands out brightly against greens and browns of the snakes’ native habitat, making them easier for predators to spot. Not ideal for evading predators.
– Prey like mice and frogs can see pink tones clearly so it makes stealthy hunting more challenging.
– Red/pink pigments require more metabolic energy to produce so there needs to be a really strong mutation to override normal pigment production.
– In some cases, erythrism may be linked to worsened eyesight or photosensitivity that lowers survival odds.
– Humans are more likely to spot and disturb brighter pink snakes, further reducing odds of surviving in wild.
Essentially, pink is strongly selected against in the wild because it makes snakes easier to see against natural backgrounds without providing any survival advantage. That’s why pink persists mostly through captive breeding and is incredibly rare in natural habitats.
Can You Keep a Pink Snake as a Pet?
In theory, a pink snake could be kept as an exotic pet with the proper licenses and setup. However, acquiring a truly naturally pink wild-caught snake would be extremely challenging.
The easiest way to get a pink pet snake is to purchase captive-bred specimens like:
– Pink/lavender/magenta ball python morphs
– Pink milk snakes
– Vibrant pink color morph corn snakes
These have been selectively bred by breeders to enhance pink tones and would readily available for purchase. Make sure to buy from a reputable breeder.
Providing proper housing, temperature control, hides and a species-appropriate diet would be key to caring for a pink pet snake. Never release non-native pink snakes into the wild.
Check your state and local laws on keeping exotic snakes as pets. Some pink snake species like pink cobras would be illegal and dangerous. Do ample research to give the snake a comfortable life in captivity.
Conclusion
In summary, while truly naturally pink snakes are incredibly rare, they do exist in small numbers around the world. Their unique coloration is caused by genetic mutations like erythrism and occasionally diet. Examples like pink pythons, tree boas and cobras demonstrate that pink can manifest in different snake species. However, the color does not enhance their survival in the wild, which explains its rarity in nature. With proper permits, pink color morphs can be kept as pets to safely admire this unusual phenomenon. If you do spot a vivid pink snake in the wilderness, appreciate the rare encounter but don’t try to disturb the animal. Let the brilliant pink snake slither away in peace.