Snakes have fascinated humans for centuries. From ancient mythology to modern movies, serpents hold an enduring appeal. With over 3,700 species, snakes display incredible diversity. They inhabit deserts and rainforests, backyards and oceans across the globe. But when it comes to popularity as pets, a few species stand out as longtime favorites.
Ball Python
The ball python is arguably the most popular pet snake worldwide. Native to West and Central Africa, these snakes get their common name from their habit of curling into a tight ball when stressed. Their docile nature, modest adult size, and variety of morphs have made ball pythons a mainstay in the exotic pet trade.
As ambush predators, ball pythons spend much of their time curled up in hiding, waiting for prey to come near. In captivity, they are content to sit quietly in their enclosures, moving slowly when exploring. Handled gently, they rarely bite. Their calm demeanor makes them a great “starter snake” for first-time owners.
Adult ball pythons average 3-5 feet long. Their relatively small size also contributes to their popularity. They are large enough to be handled, but not so big that they require expansive enclosures. The wide range of ball python morphs satisfies collectors too. Through selective breeding, ball pythons have been produced in color patterns like albino, pastel, and pied.
Corn Snake
Another all-time favorite is the corn snake. Originally from the southeastern United States, corn snakes inhabit fields, forests, and even suburban yards. Their docile nature, easy care requirements, and wide availability have made them a mainstay in the pet trade.
Corn snakes got their common name from their historical habit of nesting near corn stores set up by settlers. But unlike other snakes, they do little damage to crops. Rodents attracted to the corn are their desired prey instead.
Compared to ball pythons, corn snakes are slightly more active and eager feeders. But their placid disposition still makes them ideal for handling. Adult corn snakes average 4-6 feet in length. A manageable size for most owners. They come in a rainbow of colors and patterns too, from bright amelanistic (“amels”) to deep red-orange “blood” morphs.
Kingsnake
Kingsnakes comprise a large group of colubrid species native across the Americas. Ranging from 2-6 feet as adults, various kingsnake species and subspecies make excellent captives. The common kingsnake and California kingsnake are arguably the most popular, but many others are kept as pets too.
Kingsnakes get their common name from eating other snakes, including venomous species. But captive bred individuals readily accept rodents instead. Their feisty feeding response when young often mellows into a more tolerant personality with regular handling.
Care requirements are similar to other colubrids like corn snakes. But some kingsnake species can be more challenging, like the desert kingsnake. Many color and pattern morphs are also available, from lavender albino to patternless leucistic.
Garter Snake
Keepers looking for a small snake should consider a garter snake. Ranging from 1-4 feet long, garters remain one of the most popular pet snakes globally. They are also one of the most widespread wild snakes, found across North and Central America in many diverse habitats.
Garter snakes exist in a wide range of colors, though most sport the namesake three stripes running down their backs. Heavy-bodied and active, they spend lots of time cruising their enclosures looking for food. Small frozen/thawed fish are perfect, along with amphibians and earthworms.
Care is straightforward, though garters need more space than snakes of similar lengths. A 20 gallon tank is recommended for one average-sized adult. Despite being prone to musking and biting when roughly handled, gentle captive specimens usually become quite tame.
Milksnake
The mild-mannered milksnake is great for novices and experts alike. Growing to 3-5 feet, milksnakes are a manageable size. They also have simple care needs when it comes to temperature, humidity, and diet. But their stunning color patterns are their biggest draw.
The aptly named scarlet kingsnake has bands of black/white/red reminiscent of coral. Saddelbacks display chocolate brown patches on a lighter background. And striking tricolors flaunt a combination of red, black, and yellow touches. Many other morphs like albinos have also been produced.
Milksnakes are named for an old myth that they milked cows at night. But in reality, they help control pest rodents found around barns and pastures. Despite their frequent activity levels, captive milksnakes tend to be rather timid when handled gently.
Kenyan Sand Boa
While most popular pet snakes come from the Americas, some African species have their share of fans too. Among them is the small Kenyan sand boa. Maxing out around 2-3 feet long, sand boas have a short, thick build. Their docile nature and tiny proportions make them another great “starter snake.”
Sand boas spend lots of time buried under sandy substrate waiting to ambush prey. Housing them simply requires a basic tub or tank with ample ground cover to burrow into. Frozen/thawed mice are readily accepted food items.
New owners often find that sand boas become very tolerant of handling when cared for properly. Their frequent naps and low activity levels also enable them to thrive in small enclosures compared to more active snakes.
Rosy Boa
Like the Kenyan sand boa, rosy boas are smaller snakes that originate from desert habitats. Ranging from 2-4 feet in length, rosy boas are found across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Appropriately cared for captive rosy boas exhibit a calm, tolerant temperament. Although quick to feed, they are unlikely to bite their owners. Their petite size also means modest enclosure requirements compared to large constrictors.
Rosy boas showcase a beautiful array of colors from various shades of pink and orange to yellow and cream. Selective breeding has also produced striking albino and pattern mutations like Striped and Paradox rosy boas.
Western Hognose
While still considered a mildly venomous rear-fanged snake, the western hognose has gained significant popularity in recent years. Their small size (2-3 feet), unique defense behaviors, and range of color morphs make for fascinating captives.
When threatened, hognoses flatten their necks like cobras and hiss loudly. But it’s mostly an act, as they rarely bite humans. Their upturned snout is used for digging in sandy soil to search for meals of amphibians and reptiles. Hognose snakes are also accomplished escape artists!
Despite their dramatic bluffing displays, most captive hognoses become remarkably tame. Their antics, impressive feeding response on rodents, and range of color morphs keep experienced collectors coming back for more.
Conclusion
When it comes to the most popular pet snakes, a few key traits show up repeatedly. Small adult sizes under 6 feet, docile dispositions, simple care needs, and wide availability and breeding in captivity make certain snakes mainstays in the exotic pet hobby.
The allure of snakes endures from ancient folklore to today’s enthusiasts. And while not suited for all owners, species like ball pythons, corn snakes, and others highlighted here make excellent captive choices.
| Snake | Native Region | Average Adult Size |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Python | West and Central Africa | 3-5 feet |
| Corn Snake | Southeastern United States | 4-6 feet |
| Common Kingsnake | United States | 3-6 feet |
| Garter Snake | North and Central America | 1-4 feet |
| Milksnake | Americas | 3-5 feet |
| Kenyan Sand Boa | Africa | 2-3 feet |
| Rosy Boa | Southwestern United States and Mexico | 2-4 feet |
| Western Hognose | United States | 2-3 feet |