Snakes at PetReptiles

Pet Snakes

Some people are drawn to snakes, others recoil in fear. Throughout history, snakes have figured prominenetly in religion and folklore, representing both good and evil. Some of the fascination comes from the fact that they have no legs, and this makes them mysterious to us. For whatever reason, the snake is the subject of countless rumors and stories, most of them entirely fictional.

Many people believe that all snakes are dangerous, slimy creatures. This is far from the truth. Unfrotunately, the stories about the hiker who scared away a shy corn snake don't make healines, but stories of anacondas eating childern sell papers. In fact, snakes are clean, dry silky skinned animals that are mostly non-dangerous to humans. Of course, there are a number of poisionous, and even lethal snakes, but they are encountered far less often than the rumor mill would have us believe.

As far as pets go, there are types of snakes that make fine companions. A snake won't come when you call it, or fetch a ball for you, but watching it explore, eat and sleep has a strange, soothing effect. My snakes have taught me that there is value in a patient, unhurried approach to life, springing into action only when necessary.

A snake needs special consideration as a pet, however. Despite your best efforts and intentions, you will encounter people who fears snakes, and will not or can not overcome this fear. If one of these happens to be your husband or wife, you (and your pet) are in for a rough time! Don't assume that logic, or time will take this fear away. Make sure that everyone in your family, and any frequent guests that you plan on keepings as friends have at least an attitude of acceptance towards snakes.

Most snakes eat rodents, frogs, insects, or other snakes. Make sure that you will be comfortable with this. Some people get a little squeamish when they realize they need to keep these "cute" little dead mice in their freezer. Some snakes will refuse to eat anything but live food. Make sure that you will be comfortable feeding live mice to your snake if the need arises.

Poisonous snakes do not make good pets. Stay clear of them - these should be handled only by professionals. No matter what precautions you take, or how well prepared you are, one day an accident will hapen. If you are lucky, it will just mean some time in the hospital. If you're not...

We have all seen the person with a snake around his/her neck on TV, or a snake owner showing off. This is incredibly foolish - it's about the equivalent of closing your eyes for ten seconds while driving on the highway. Many time someone can get away with this, but if the snake decides to tighten it's grip, it can cut off the blood flow to the brain and render you unconcious, or even dead. The worst part of it is that the snake is covering such a large area of the neck that the pressure is hardly felt. Snakes are amazingly strong. Consider the fact that virtually every muscle in their body can be used for constricting when they decide to.

If you want a snake to impress your friends, or shock your inlaws, then do us all a favor and just dye your hair orange or get your eyelids pierced or something. A snake is a living, intelligent creature that has as much right as any animal to live comfortably and securely. Unqualified or uncaring snake owners are the ones that we read about in the papers, and make the public at large wary of snakes and those who keep them.