How long do snakes live?

The life expectancy of snakes depends on their size. Larger snakes can live for up to 25-50 years while smaller ones have a lifespan of 5-10 years but can also live longer than this.

Index
  1. Snakes lifespan
    1. How long do snakes live in the wild?
    2. How long do snakes live in captivity?
  2. Species of snakes
  3. Where do snakes live?
  4. What do snakes eat?
  5. How much do snakes measure?
  6. How much do snakes weigh?
  7. Snakes reproduction and life cycle
  8. Facts about snakes
    1. Snakes and smells
    2. Snakes don't move eyes
    3. Snakes and shed skin
    4. Can snakes fly?
    5. Not all snakes are poisonous

Snakes lifespan

How long do snakes live in the wild?

Their lifespan differs between species:

  • Anaconda: 10 years.
  • Ball python or royal python: 20-30 years (with a good care, they can live more than 40 years).
  • Black mamba: 10 years.
  • Boa constrictor: 20 years.
  • King cobra: 15-20 years.
  • Rattlesnakes: 25 years.
  • Viper: 9 years.
  • Carpet python: lives between 20 and 30 years.
  • Corn snakes: 6-8 years (live between 15 and 20 years when they are kept in captivity).
  • Kingsnakes: between 15 and 25 years.

How long do snakes live in captivity?

Snakes can live for 15-50 years in captivity.

The Burmese python, a well-known type of snake, lives more than 25 years in the wild, but when it is kept in captivity it usually lives for ten years. This is a rare case when animals live shorter when they are kept as pets. The fact that they demand special treatment when kept at home is one of the reasons why they live shorter.

Those who are interested in keeping a snake as a pet should know that there are few factors that affect the lifespan of every snake.

One of the most important things is the snake cage. Snakes need a clean and dry cage even though there are some species that need access to water. Of course, this part should be separated and isolated from the others. The owner should also monitor the temperature and humidity in the place where the snakes live.

Needless to say, their diet plays a crucial role. By learning more about the diet of the specific snake you have, you can make sure that the snake gets all the nutrients and lives a long life.

Related posts: How long do king cobras live?How long do crocodiles live?

Species of snakes

According to official statistics, there are over 3000 different species of snakes on our planet.

Where do snakes live?

They live on all continents (except Antarctica). Snakes are found in most tropical regions in different parts of the world, apart from regions like Iceland, Antarctica, Ireland, New Zealand and Greenland.

How long do snakes live?

Their main habitation is forests, deserts, water and grasslands. Snakes also live in underground burrows and spaces under big rocks.

Many people find snakes scary and intimidating, while others keep them as pets in their homes.

What do snakes eat?

Snakes are carnivores. Most snakes feed on eggs, insects, fish, rodents, lizards and small mammals. Big snakes like anacondas and pythons bigger animals like pigs and bears. Some of them poison their prey while others squeeze/suffocate their prey to death.

How much do snakes measure?

Different species of snakes have different sizes. According to National Geographic, the smallest snake, which is the thread snake, measures around 10 cm (3.9 inches). The reticulated python, which is believed to be the largest of snakes, can grow up to 30 feet (equivalent to 9 metres).

How much do snakes weigh?

A snake’s weight varies between different species. The giant anaconda, which is the largest snake in the world, can weigh up to 250-550 pounds.

Snakes reproduction and life cycle

Not all snakes lay eggs. Some snakes give birth much like mammals. These snakes give birth to live young broods 1-2 or new-born and the number can litter to 100. Snakes living in colder climates do not lay eggs because the weather is too cold for eggs to hatch.

King cobra is the only snake species known to build a nest for its young ones.

There are some rare species of snakes that lay eggs without mating.

Newly hatched snakes emerge using special teeth to break their leathery membrane shells. They must feed in order to survive.

Facts about snakes

Snakes and smells

Unlike humans and many other mammals, snakes do not use their nose to smell. They use split tongues to taste and smell chemical composition in the air.

Snakes don't move eyes

Snakes do not have ears or eyelids, neither do they move their eyes. They rely on vibrations through the ground to hear.

Snakes and shed skin

Snakes shed their entire skin almost 3 times a year through a process called molting.

Can snakes fly?

Yes. Snakes like paradise tree-snake of South East Asia can comfortably fly. It does this by swinging its body through the air and then flatten into a C-shape where it catches the airflow. It can change directions by flipping its body back and forth.

Not all snakes are poisonous

Snakes with diamond shaped pupils are poisonous. Non-poisonous snakes have round pupils. Their colours can also give a clue whether the snake is poisonous or not. Coral snakes are deadly while.

 

 

  1. Jerry says:

    Snakes shed their skin when they grow larger, like Arachnids(spiders..) and maybe some insects. They will need to be kept moistfor this cycle and after a couple days or so the skin should all ...

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