Snakes are often described as solitary, fear-inducing creatures, but in reality, many species are surprisingly docile, curious, and even friendly. In this article, we will take a look at nine of the friendliest snakes in the world that are perfect for beginner snake owners or those looking to overcome their fear of snakes.
These nine species are calm, like to be handled, and are easy to care for. We will take a look at their unique traits and behaviors, which contest the misconception that snakes are inherently aggressive or unapproachable.
1. Corn Snake
The corn snake is famous for being the friendliest snake in the world, which makes it the perfect pet for beginners. These snakes are docile and adaptable, and they rarely show any defensive or aggressive behaviors. They also tolerate handling. They are named after their orange and red patterns, which resemble maize kernels.
These snakes are non-venomous and can grow up to six feet long, but they remain slender and manageable. They are also very easy to care for and require a slightly humid tank with temperatures between 72 to 90°F. They are intelligent and use visual and chemosensory cues to navigate their environment.
2. Ball Python
Ball Pythons are one of the most popular pet snakes because of their calm temperament and their striking appearance. They are medium-sized constrictors that can grow up to five feet long. They are also known for curling into a ball when they feel stressed instead of showing aggressive behaviors.
They come in many color morphs and have very friendly personalities. Their enclosures should have stable temperatures of 75 to 85°F, and they require high humidity levels. Their slow movements and predictable behavior make them excellent pets for novice and experienced snake owners.
3. California Kingsnake
The California kingsnake is a gorgeous snake with black and white bands around its body. These snakes are famous for being very calm. Despite its reputation as a predator of other snakes in the wild, it is a non-venomous species that is very gentle with humans if it has been properly socialized. These snakes can grow up to five feet long and can be handled.
They require simple care setups, including a secure enclosure and moderate temperatures between 75 and 85°F. If they are handled consistently, they can become curious and interactive pets that thrive on human companionship.
4. Rosy Boa
The rosy boa is a small, docile snake that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. These gorgeous snakes can grow up to three feet long, making them one of the smallest boa species in the world. They are calm and tolerant to handling, which makes them the perfect pets for first-time snake owners.
They have pinkish-orange stripes and thrive in simple enclosures with temperatures around 75 to 85°F. They also require way less maintenance than larger snake species. Their manageable size and friendly temperament make them perfect pets.
5. Garter Snake
Garter snakes are one of the most common snake species in North America. They are also one of the friendliest snakes. These small-to-medium-sized snakes can grow up to three feet long and come in many different color patterns, with longitudinal stripes running along their bodies.
Garter snakes can tolerate handling if they are exposed to it from a young age, which makes them suitable pets for families with children. Unlike most other snakes, they can be housed in small groups if they have enough space. These snakes are active but non-aggressive.
6. Hognose Snake
Hognose snakes are some of the most adorable snakes in the world. They are famous for their upturned noses, which they use for burrowing, and their defensive displays. They will hiss loudly or play dead when they feel threatened. However, they are surprisingly friendly with humans. They are quite small and can grow up to 30 inches long. They also produce mild venom that is harmless to humans.
Once they are acclimated, hognose snakes tolerate handling well. Their quirky personalities make them unique among pet reptiles. They are curious and adorable!
7. Rough Green Snake
The rough green snake is a slender snake species that is known for its vibrant green coloration and shy demeanor. These snakes do not like to be handled, but they are non-aggressive and make excellent display pets because of their striking appearance and active behavior within enclosures.
They typically grow up to 20 inches long and require minimal space but thrive in naturalistic setups with climbing branches and live plants. These peaceful snakes are ideal for experienced owners looking for a low-maintenance yet visually captivating companion.
8. Pygmy Python
The pygmy python, which is native to Australia, is the world’s smallest python species and reaches just two feet long when fully grown. These small snakes are calm and curious once they are socialized through regular handling. However, it can take them weeks or even months to adjust to human interaction.
Pygmy pythons require specialized care due to their rarity outside of Australia, but they reward dedicated owners with gentle behavior and manageable needs compared to larger python species.
9. Boa Constrictor (Red Tail Boa)
The boa constrictor can reach lengths of six to nine feet. But despite its intimidating size, the red tail boa is one of the most docile large snake species available as a pet when captive-bred from reputable breeders.
Known for its slow movements and tolerance for handling, this non-venomous constrictor is often described as the “golden retriever” of snakes because of its friendly disposition toward humans. However, owning a boa requires commitment because of its size; secure enclosures and proper husbandry practices are very important!
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