Are you considering getting a corn snake as your next pet? It’s no surprise – corn snakes are beloved by those who keep them! Not only do they make wonderfully gentle and rewarding companions, but their beautiful colors and patterns make for a stunning addition to any home. But before you decide whether or not this is the right pet for you, it helps to know exactly what corn snakes are and where they come from.
What are corn snakes?
Corn snakes are often seen as the ideal pet snake; they are extremely docile, easy to handle, and require minimal maintenance compared to other species. Despite their name, these reptiles come in a variety of vibrant colors – from pinkish beige and bright orange to yellows and blacks.
Besides being attractive animals, they also live longer than many other types of pet snakes – some can survive up to 20 years in captivity with the right care. One advantage of owning a corn snake is that it can be kept in relatively small spaces since they don’t grow anywhere near as large as boas or pythons. Because of this, they make an ideal choice for first-time snake owners who want to try out keeping a reptile without having to commit to a big tank!
Why is a corn snake called a corn snake?
The corn snake is a species native to the Southern United States and known for its placid nature and uniquely beautiful color patterns. But why is it called a “corn snake”? This nickname was derived from the fact that these snakes are often found near cornfields where they feed on mice and other rodents.
The orange and red shades of the corn snake also mimic the colors of dried corn in fields, providing them with even better camouflage from predators as they hunt their prey. So next time you hear someone talking about a ‘corn snake’, you will know that this colorful creature earned its name due to its ability to blend in with the yellow stalks of corn!
Is corn snake poisonous?
Corn snakes are an incredibly popular domesticated reptile and make great pets, but many people often don’t know if they are poisonous or not. The good news is that corn snakes are completely harmless to humans, as their diet and lifestyle don’t involve ingesting or coming in contact with any harmful toxins.
They do have a few tricks up their sleeve though – when startled or handled roughly, they may release musk from the scent glands near their vent area, which can smell unpleasant to humans; and when threatened, they may strike defensively if they do not feel comfortable enough to flee. Luckily these actions only involve a scare, and there is no harm done!
Where are corn snakes found in the wild?
Corn snakes are a popular pet species in the United States, but did you know that they can also be found in the wild? Native to the southeastern and central United States, corn snakes inhabit a wide variety of habitats from rocky hillsides to grasslands and even suburban areas.
During the day, they curl up among rocks or tree roots to avoid predators and venture out at night to hunt their prey. They’re particularly fond of mice and lizards, which they usually subdue with swift striking movements before swallowing them whole. With their adaptation to human environments, there’s a chance you might spot one of these colorful creatures close to home!
What is the history of corn snakes?
Corn snakes, who are also known as red rat snakes, have been around for centuries. Initially found across much of the eastern and central United States, they were an incredibly popular reptile pet since their release in the 1970s due to their adaptive nature and affordability.
Although other varieties of corn snakes can still be seen in their natural environment, the ones that are bred commercially come in many different colors and patterns.
They’re all part of the same species; however, breeders specifically focus on more exotic morphs which makes them even more popular amongst snake keepers. Corn snakes make fantastic pets with proper housing, diet, and care – they can live up to 20 years!
Are there different types of corn snakes?
Corn snakes are one of the most popular and recognizable snake species in the world, but did you know there are a lot of different types? While all are considered to be corn snake subspecies, from the original wild form to several hypomelanistic variants, each is unique in its way.
Variations in color, size, and genetic makeup distinguish them from their parents and serve to give us a variety of different corn snakes available on the market. Regular pattern corn snakes owe their name and coloring to their native range which stretches through much of the southeastern United States.
On the other hand, piebald or albino corns represent some of the most captivating morphs seen, boasting bright yellow and slightly neon orange spots throughout their bodies.
Conclusion
After learning about the fascinating look and behavior of corn snakes, it’s no wonder they make popular pets. Despite their wild origins in North America, they have adapted to living with and around humans. While some may worry about taking on a potentially dangerous pet, corn snakes are docile and not prone to bite, so with proper care and guidance, they can be an excellent addition to most households.
