photos by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, a resident walking his dog along Valley View Avenue found an exotic snake slinking down the street on Monday afternoon. Tyco Animal Control was dispatched to take possession of the snake until the owner is found. The snake was reportedly a Corn Snake.
Pet snakes are fascinating creatures that can make unique and low-maintenance pets for reptile enthusiasts. Before deciding to keep a snake as a pet, it’s important to understand their specific care requirements and ensure you can meet them. Remember, snakes are long-term commitments that can live for many years, so it’s important to be prepared and dedicated to providing proper care throughout their lifespan.
The snake likely a Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a non-venomous snake species native to the southeastern United States. They are one of the most popular snake species kept as pets due to their docile nature, attractive colors, and relatively easy care requirements. Here are some key features and characteristics of Corn Snakes:
Appearance: Corn Snakes are typically medium-sized snakes, ranging from 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) in length. They have slender bodies with smooth scales. The basic coloration is usually orange or reddish-brown, with large, bold, and bright red or orange blotches bordered by black along their backs. The belly is usually white or light-colored with black markings.
Temperament: Corn Snakes are known for their docile and calm temperament, making them suitable for beginner snake keepers. They are generally easy to handle and tolerate regular human interaction. However, individual temperament can vary, so it’s important to handle them gently and respect their comfort levels.
Lifespan: With proper care, Corn Snakes can live for 15 to 20 years or even longer in captivity. Providing them with a suitable environment, appropriate diet, and regular veterinary care contributes to their longevity.
Housing: Corn Snakes require an enclosure that provides adequate space for movement and comfort. A 20-gallon (75-liter) tank is suitable for an adult Corn Snake, but larger enclosures are beneficial if space allows. The enclosure should have a secure lid to prevent escape. Substrate options can include aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or reptile carpet. It’s important to provide hiding spots, branches for climbing, and a temperature gradient for thermoregulation.
Temperature and Humidity: Corn Snakes are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. A temperature gradient should be provided within the enclosure, with a warm side around 85°F (29°C) and a cooler side around 75°F (24°C). Heating elements like under-tank heating pads or ceramic heat emitters, controlled with thermostats, can be used. The humidity level should be moderate, around 40-50%, and can be maintained by misting the enclosure or providing a humidity box.
Feeding: In the wild, Corn Snakes primarily feed on small rodents. As pets, they are typically fed thawed frozen rodents, such as mice or rats, appropriate to their size. Hatchlings can be fed pinky mice, while adults may consume adult mice or small rats. Feeding frequency depends on the snake’s age and size, typically ranging from every 5 to 10 days.
Health and Veterinary Care: Regular health check-ups with a reptile veterinarian are important to ensure the well-being of your Corn Snake. Monitoring their behavior, appetite, shedding, and overall appearance will help you identify any potential health issues. Additionally, providing a clean environment and proper nutrition is vital for their long-term health.
Corn Snakes are captivating and relatively low-maintenance pets, but it’s important to research their specific care requirements and ensure you can provide a suitable environment before considering them as pets.
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That snake should run for Village council
No need. We already have a couple of them.
Very nice . . . could you just get me a book or something?
I thought it was the mayor.
I was wondering if any council comments would come up – had to get the next council meeting on time etc lol