The corn snake is one of the most popular snakes in the United States because they are perfect for beginners. They are easy to raise and don’t mind when you handle them. If you are thinking about getting one of these amazing snakes for your home but would like to learn more about them first, keep reading as we share several fascinating and fun corn snake facts.
The 12 Corn Snake Facts
1. Corn Snakes Got Their Name From Early Colonists
Many people believe the corn snake got their name from living near cornfields. While it’s true that a cornfield is an ideal habitat for these snakes, they actually got their name from early settlers who noticed their resemblance to maize, which has red and black colored kernels in a similar pattern to the snake. As time passed, the name became permanent.
2. They Have Many Cosmetic Varieties
These snakes are so popular, partly because breeders have learned to selectively breed a wide range of colors that you would be unlikely to see in nature. That means these snakes can be solid or have stripes, polka dots, and many other patterns, so you are sure to find something you like.
3. Australia Considers the Corn Snake Invasive
The illegal pet trade has enabled corn snakes to find their way out of their native homes in North America to form new colonies in other areas. Australia, in particular, lists the corn snake as an invasive species due to the numerous habitats the country has that are ideal for supporting this animal. 79 corn snakes were captured from 2002 to 2014, but it seems that the corn snake species still thrives down under.
4. Florida Listed the Corn Snake Population as a Special Concern
Corn snakes face several threats in Florida that are causing their numbers to drop quickly. These threats include habitat loss, being illegally captured as pets, and climate change. Since the numbers continue to fall, Florida has put them on a list of special concern, which will help lead to laws to protect them.
5. They Look Similar to a Venomous Snake
The corn snake is often mistaken for the venomous copperhead snake, which results in many humans either running from them or killing them.
6. Corn Snakes Help Humans
Many people might not realize it, but corn snakes can be quite helpful to humans. They are non-venomous, so they pose no threat, yet they are voracious hunters that can reduce the rodent population in even a large field, so many farmers are happy to have them. These snakes will often hide under porches and other areas that mice frequent around houses. Allowing them to remain is a good way to ensure that fewer mice get into your basement or cupboards.
- Read Also: Do Corn Snakes Make Good Pets?
7. They Are Non-venomous
The corn snake does not have venom, so they kill their prey in a different way. These snakes are constrictors, similar to pythons and boa constrictors. They kill their prey by wrapping around it and slowly squeezing it until the victim can no longer breathe and dies of suffocation. Since this snake doesn’t need to eat every day, they can continue to apply the death squeeze for the long term until the animal submits.
8. They Are Native to the United States
The corn snake is native to the eastern United States, and you can find them from Florida up to New Jersey. You can also find them on several islands in the Caribbean. They prefer wooded areas, rocky hillsides, and abandoned buildings.
9. Corn Snakes Have a Long Lifespan
You can expect your pet corn snake to live 20 years or more as long as you provide for their basic needs, like food and shelter, and give them plenty of free time outside the cage for mental stimulation.
10. They Need a Medium-Sized Aquarium
Your corn snake will require a medium-sized aquarium to hold them comfortably. Most experts recommend a 30–40-gallon tank with a screened lid.
11. Corn Snakes Have a Simple Diet
As a pet, your corn snake has a simple diet of frozen mice. These mice should have no parasites or diseases that can be transmitted to your pet like wild-caught food frequently does. These mice are easy to find in any pet store and are usually quite affordable, so your snake can eat them for every meal. You can also purchase live mice and crickets if you prefer, but you should avoid feeding the snake mice you caught around your home due to the parasite risk.
12. Corn Snakes Are Loners
Unless your corn snake is breeding, they prefer to be alone, so it’s easier for them to hunt and hide. This also makes corn snakes easy to keep as pets because you don’t need to worry about pairing them up, as many other animals require.
Final Thoughts
Corn snakes make great pets because they are non-venomous and may let you carry them around. They seem to enjoy the attention and will usually stay with you for several hours if you let them. Their diet consists primarily of frozen mice, which are easy to find and inexpensive to buy. Thanks to crossbreeding, you can find these snakes in a wide range of colors and patterns.
- Related topic: Corn Snake Feeding Chart
Featured Image Credit: Kurit afshen, Shutterstock
Contents
- The 12 Corn Snake Facts
- 1. Corn Snakes Got Their Name From Early Colonists
- 2. They Have Many Cosmetic Varieties
- 3. Australia Considers the Corn Snake Invasive
- 4. Florida Listed the Corn Snake Population as a Special Concern
- 5. They Look Similar to a Venomous Snake
- 6. Corn Snakes Help Humans
- 7. They Are Non-venomous
- 8. They Are Native to the United States
- 9. Corn Snakes Have a Long Lifespan
- 10. They Need a Medium-Sized Aquarium
- 11. Corn Snakes Have a Simple Diet
- 12. Corn Snakes Are Loners
- Final Thoughts
