Last Updated on November 10, 2022 by
Corn snakes are an exceptionally popular pet reptile for people all around the world. Because of this, your interest may be peaked on what they need in terms of care, and just as important – their natural behavior. Specifically, you may be wondering if these reptiles make for happy, friendly pets.
Well, the answer to that may be a bit more complicated than it appears at first glance.
Corn Snake Behavior in the Wild
To examine corn snake behavior, it is important to understand how they act in the wild within the context of their ecological niche. These snakes are mesopredators, which essentially means that they have larger, scarier predators to avoid or defend themselves against. This is also why they have adapted to look like the venomous copperhead.
Contrary to popular belief, however, corn snakes are not typically aggressive to those that don’t pose a threat to them. In fact, it is common to see these animals relaxing and living next to a variety of other species. They would also much prefer to be hiding in a burrow rather than seek out conflict.
Are They Actually Friendly?
While corn snakes are shown to make docile, tolerant pets, the question still remains whether or not they are “friendly”. To answer this question, I believe that we should examine what we really mean by “friendly”. Does that mean that your snake will happily greet you, cuddle, and show visible affection? Or would it simply mean that it will remain content in your presence and tolerate regular handling? These are all questions you may be especially curious about if you’re looking for a corn snake for sale.
If you are attempting to answer this question from the first definition we put, then no, you may not perceive your snake as “friendly”. Snakes do not typically show what we think of as affection or excitement in our presence. In fact, their lack of emotional needs is indeed part of the appeal to some keepers. With that being said, there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that corn snakes are responsive to their owner’s presence, and may even prefer interacting with some people over others.
However, if you see friendliness as having a stable temperament and remaining docile when you need to handle it, then yes, corn snakes can be very friendly. With all of this being said, it is still important to foster a good relationship with your snake. By understanding its needs and body language, you will have a better grasp on how to properly take care of your pet.
Conclusion
Corn snakes are a fascinating, wonderful reptile that has captured the hearts and imaginations of pet fanciers around the world. However, it is still important to understand their unique behaviors and emotional needs, and adjust your expectations based on that. It is especially important to do this before looking at corn snakes for sale.
By keeping these essential things in mind, you will form a sort of unique bond with your snake that will serve you both well for the duration of your relationship.
Read More: 5 Best Pet Snakes for Beginners
