Pine Snake - Northern

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Scientific Name: Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus

Basic Info

The Northern Pine Snake can reach up to about 7 feet in length, although they average around five feet. They are often considered one of the most beautiful snakes found in North America. The white, gray, yellow, or tan sides of the snake are marked with red, black or brown spots. The coloration is usually darker towards the neck than at the tail.

Health

Northern Pines should be kept at daytime temperatures of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking area in the high 80s. At night the temperature should be in the low 70s. Humidity levels should be low to moderate. Northern Pine snakes should be brumated for about 3 months during the winter at about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Pine snakes will often quit feeding during the winter, regardless of enclosure temperatures and may loose too much weight if they are not cooled. Breeding After mating in the spring, the female Northern Pine Snake lays a clutch of between 3 and 24 eggs. She usually lays the eggs in a nest dug in the soil found under logs or rocks.

Habitat

The diurnal Northern Pine Snake can be found in forests, woods, plains, and sand hills.

Behavior

The Northern Pine Snake is one of the largest North American snakes. They can be somewhat aggressive when first introduced to captivity, but they generally settle down once they are used to their new environment. The Northern Pine Snake spends much of its time in underground burrows. When threatened, the Northern Pine Snake will usually hiss and vibrate its tail before it strikes. Some hobbyists have reported that Northern Pine Snakes may become stubborn eaters, though others have reported that the opposite is true. If you want to ensure that your Northern Pine Snake does not become a stubborn or problem eater, some have suggested feeding rats from early on. Hatchlings may be switched from mice to rats as early as possible. Feeding pinky rats from an early age should make them accept rats later in life.

Origin

North America

History

Found in a very large portion of North America, the Northern Pine Snake is most common in New Jersey, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. While they can be quite aggressive when first acquired, the Northern Pine Snake will often calm down with sufficient care and handling.

Common Foods

They feed primarily on eggs, rodents, and lizards.