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Snakes have made commendable progress towards domestication, primarily since they’ve been successfully bred for gentleness, alongside fabulous patterns and color morphs. This has made them loveable and domestic-worthy reptiles.
However, breeders will never be able to breed out the snake’s instinct to bite completely. There’s always a chance for even the most docile snake to become defensive and bite you if it feels threatened. All snakes bite, especially if they are excessively hungry, moody, or startled.
However, some don’t bite as often as others. Read on to learn more about snakes that rarely bite.
The 8 Pet Snakes That Are Least Likely to Bite
Some snakes have “alternative” defense mechanisms they use instead of biting. Others are laid-back and have relaxed temperaments when around humans.
They include:
1. Rubber Boas
Practitioners always use a Rubber Boa in therapy treatments for anyone who fears snakes and wants to overcome the phobia. This tells you a lot about this snake’s personality.
Rubber Boas are so friendly, gentle, and curious that they always innocently approach humans or even predators in the wild. Unfortunately, while this gesture is sweet, it means that these snakes often get senselessly killed by predators and humans who mistake them for harmful snakes.
Rubber boas are not venomous and have fangs that they rarely use.
2. Rosy Boa
Rosy Boas rarely nip at humans and aren’t venomous. They are also gentle, easy to care for, and one of the slowest snakes you’ll ever find. Rosy Boas are ambush hunters who love to burrow in the sand, waiting to pounce on their prey. So, it would be best not to disrupt your pet in ambush mode because it’ll try to strike you.
You might want to know that Rosy Boas stay small forever!
- Related Read: 10 Rosy Boa Morphs & Colors (with Pictures)
3. Ball Python
Ball Pythons are large docile snakes that tend to be laid-back and less active, which is why they are snake owners’ favorite pets. It is less likely to interact with you when it’s in its tank, although it doesn’t mind being handled and showing affection if it’s comfortable around you.
Your Ball Python is less likely to bite because it has adopted an alternative self-defense mechanism. It curls up into a small ball as much as possible when threatened, thus its name “ball python.” It’ll wrap itself into coils tightly and tuck the head and neck in to ensure that the threat doesn’t reach its most vulnerable parts.
No other snake defends itself in this manner. Others mostly coil up into an S-shape and show their fangs when feeling threatened.
- See Also: Python vs Boa: What’s the Difference?
4. Western Hognose Snake
This snake’s upturned pig-like snout makes it arguably the most enchanting of all breeds. Plus, Western Hognose snakes are docile and rarely try biting their owners. They also display an alternative defense tactic. It will roll over on its back and stick out its tongue to play dead when it feels threatened. It’s so clever that if you flip it back upright, it’ll roll over again as if to prove that it’s dead.
Western Hognose snakes are technically venomous. However, there is no need to worry; the venom is only meant for their prey, not humans. If they bite, it might hurt just a little bit or cause a slight swelling at worst.
5. California King Snake
Also known as “Cali Kings” by serpent enthusiasts, California King Snakes are generally friendly, although they can be flighty, active, and nervous when young.
They also tend to be escape artists. So, you might want to invest in clamps for your mesh lid if you don’t want to stumble on your pet in your bedroom. However, adult California Kingsnakes are peaceful and never aggressive unless you aggravate them.
6. Corn Snakes
Corn snakes are among the most commonly owned snakes, and it’s for a good reason. They are friendly and easy to care for.
Corn snakes rarely bite and are non-venomous, docile, and non-threatening to novice owners and even kids.
7. Sunbeam Snake
Sunbeams are beautiful snakes. Their incredible rainbow-reflecting skin is fascinating, and their small size makes them approachable. Sunbeams are shy and love to burrow, so they are often elusive. However, they are social and usually warm up to humans once they enjoy being handled.
They are also non-venomous and non-aggressive, and they won’t bite you as long as you treat them right.
8. Kenyan Sand Boa
Kenyan Sand Boas are easy-going, non-venomous, and less likely to bite humans. They don’t have volatile temperaments, but you must understand that each snake has a unique character, and non-sensible handling will lead to nipping. This snake is only likely to nip at a human as a feeding response, so it’s essential to keep it fed and happy.
Generally, Kenyan Sand Boas enjoy being handled. Just ensure you pick it up from its body’s center for extra support because it has a heavier midsection. It’s best to approach the snake from a position where it can detect your scent and realize that you aren’t a threat.
Why Do Snakes Bite?
A snake won’t bite you often if you are providing for its needs and handling it properly. However, every long-term snake owner has experienced occasional bites. Here’s why these reptiles bite.
1. Feeling Fearful
Snakes are obligate carnivores and prey animals. They fear unfamiliar large animals, including humans, so your snake will bite you if it’s not used to being around you. Snakes can also bite if you mistreated them in the past. They’ll associate your scent with the bad experience and try to defend themselves by biting.
2. It’s Hungry
A starving snake will bite anything it sees, including your hands. It can accidentally bite you when lashing out to grab prey from your hands.
Your snake can also bite if you handled meat before reaching out to it and your hands still have the scent. Just ensure that your pet snake is well-fed, and it won’t bite you.
3. It’s Irritated
Snakes also get irritated, especially if they feel unwell and have an underlying illness. They can also lash out when they are shedding or moody.
- Related Read: Do Snakes Like Being Pet? Everything You Need To Know!
Final Thoughts
Potential snake keepers should understand that just because a snake is for sale doesn’t mean it’s tame. Snakes can’t “love” or feel “affection” for you like cats and dogs. Although some snakes tend to bite less than others, there aren’t any snakes that don’t bite at all.
Snakes retain their wild instincts and will always bite to defend themselves if provoked. However, the species we discussed are some of the more docile snakes to keep as pets that rarely bite.
Featured Image Credit: TKBackyard, Shutterstock
