World Snake Day is celebrated on July 16th . This is an important day when it comes to increasing awareness about the different species of snakes all around the world. Snakes tend to have a negative connotation and negative attitudes toward snakes may be the biggest barrier to their conservation.

Did you know that there are 3,500 species of snakes around the world and approximately 600 of these are venomous. This is less than 25% of snakes. Snakes are very effective predators and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature. Snakes have a prehistoric lineage, thus giving us a glimpse back to a prehistoric time when the earth was ruled by reptiles. Modern reptiles are the living, breathing cousins of dinosaurs.

Myth Busters - Common misconceptions about Snakes

Snakes Go Blind in Summer - snakes do experience a short period of diminished eyesight when they are getting ready to shed as their ocular scales, which are the scales covering their eyes, begin to shear off. A snake’s eyes make look milky at this time, and they can’t see all that well during the process, but they don’t go fully blind. Since many wild snakes shed in summer, it is easy to see where this misconception started.
Snakes are Slimy - People who have never touched a snake may assume they are slimy to the touch. Snakeskin is actually quite dry and often feels smooth.
Rattlesnakes Always Rattle Before Striking - Snakes that are accidentally stepped on, won’t bother with a warning rattle. They will just bite! Did you know that the rattle is actually made of dead skin from previous sheds?
Snakes are Naturally Aggressive - In the wild, snakes are both predator and prey, so they tend to be quite wary. While snakes will attack if threatened, most of the time they prefer to flee, and will often run instead of striking.
Snakes Can Only Strike From a Coiled Position - Snakes can strike from any angle, and they do not need to be coiled to be able to bite. Given ample time to prepare for a strike, many snakes will coil, but not being in an optimal position will not stop them from biting.
Snakes Have Salmonella - Snakes do carry salmonella, but a bit of precaution will usually provide an ample safeguard. Always wash your hands after handling your snake. At least once a month, give your snake’s cage a thorough scrubdown, including disinfecting it and then rinsing it well.

Choosing a Pet Snake

Deciding to get a pet snake can be a fun and exciting experience. Snakes are very different from companion animals. Choosing a beginner snake can be tricky, so ensure you choose one best suited for your care and handling capabilities.
The average life span of a snake is usually decades, so you will be making a significant commitment depending on the breed you choose.
Be sure to buy a snake that has been bred in captivity and is free from diseases and other problems that snakes raised in the wild might have. You may also want to watch feeding sessions to make sure the snake eats readily.
Snakes, like all reptiles can carry salmonella, which can leave you quite ill. Remember to wash your hands after handling any snake.
Choose a breed of snake that is not venomous or constricting and has a temperament well-suited for captivity. Snakes are solitary creatures and do not enjoy crowds or loud noises. Therefore, it is best to keep one snake per habitat.

Types of Pet Snakes for Beginners:

The Ball Python, Corn Snake, or California Kingsnake are three of the more common docile breeds that experts recommend for beginners.

Habitat:

The most important thing to have for your new pet snake is a secure enclosure as well as a place inside its new home to hide under… such as rocks, bark, a small box or a clay flowerpot. Snakes that live in trees will be more comfortable in a tall vertical home while ones that live on the ground will prefer wider enclosures. By adding shavings, mulch, stones, rocks, branches and other plants that naturally exist in the snake’s environment, you will help your new pet thrive.

Lighting, Humidity and Temperature:

Research your snake breed to see what kind of light is required. All snakes use a basking light, which can be hung over a branch. Some snakes need natural sunlight while others benefit from ultraviolet light.
Controlling the temperature and humidity in your snake’s home is very important. Pet stores sell thermometers to help you track temperature and hygrometers to measure humidity.
Snakes are cold-blooded animals which means they rely on the temperature of their environment to control their body temperature. You’ll want to provide a monitored and measured heat source that keeps the spot under the snake’s sleeping area at the ideal temperature. Other spots in your terrarium should be kept a degree or two warmer and a few degrees cooler so that your pet can move around and adjust its own temperature as needed. Ideally, you will want several thermometers that can measure the temperature of the floor, walls and air of your snake’s enclosure.

Feeding a Pet Snake:

All snakes eat meat whole and many varieties enjoy live mice, rats, other reptiles and insects two to four times each month. They often eat less frequently in the winter. Many pet snakes will also eat frozen mice and rats which can be purchased and stored.
You must provide clean, fresh water regularly for drinking and bathing.
Pet snakes rarely require additional supplements as they receive a good balance of vitamins, minerals and nutrition directly from their food.

Cleaning:

Snakes are pretty easy to clean up after. Because their diet consists of meat, they do have fecal droppings, but lining the tank with newspaper, or other substrate will help to keep the terrarium tidy.

Grooming:

If the humidity and temperature are right, the snake will take care of shedding its own skin. Usually a snake will shed once a month or so. The process might take up to a week. If there are any problems, the snake might need help. Dry air is a common cause of sloughing problems. Raise the humidity in the tank, and add a box partially filled with dampened paper towels, moss or other soft substrate material. Also ensure there are enough rocks and branches for the snake to rub on. This might solve the problem. If it does not, see a veterinarian.

Preventing Illness:

Most snakes that are bred in captivity and provided with adequate housing, feed and water can easily remain healthy, but there are a few common illnesses that can be prevented or treated.
One of the most common problems is a failure to thrive or eat. This condition is generally caused by stress to the pet snake such as improper temperature or housing. Trauma or physical injury as well as an infection can also cause a pet snake to stop eating. Another common ailment is vomiting which is often caused by an environment that is too cold or from being handled too soon after eating. The best prevention to these and other common problems is keeping your pet’s environment as close as possible to its natural habitat.

Source: Caringpets.org

Have more questions? The folks at the Ontario Reptile Rescue will be happy to help you.