Are Snakes Friendly? (It’s Best to Steer Clear!)

Wild snakes are not friendly at all. They are scared of humans so don’t approach them and definitely don’t back them into a corner.

Pet snakes can appear to be friendly, but for the most part they are just indifferent to humans. They will ignore people because they do not consider them either a threat or food.

Generally, snakes lack the intellectual ability to sense human emotions such as affection or love.

Snakes make amazing pets, even if they don’t feel love the same way humans and domesticated animals like dogs do. Nevertheless, a docile pet snake is not something to be afraid of, so long as you don’t do anything to spook it.

Are Pet Snakes Friendly?

A pet snake can be a great friend, but it is probably a one-way friendship. The pet may be a fun companion, but it’s not going to consider you any more than a harmless human.

Nevertheless, for you, they can be a great pet!

They are easy to manage, and can be kept in small places. Their lifestyles don’t demand much effort and act more-or-less friendly as long as you are willing to meet their needs such as feeding them and giving them a comfortable home.

Related: Do Snakes Live in Groups?

Are some Snakes Friendlier than Others?

Some snakes seem to be quite comfortable in their owners’ company. Others may be agitated by being handled.

So, in that sense, yes, it would appear that some snakes are ‘friendlier’ than others. But, this is a loose interpretation of friendliness!

If your pet snake refuses to cuddle, don’t take it personally. They don’t require empathy or affection from others, and they don’t express it to others.

Some snake owners who I know do claim to have become used to the presence of a specific owner (probably by their scent) and seem to get scared or agitated when that owner isn’t there or when they are handled by a different person. I don’t have any evidence of this, and I’ve not experienced that personally.

Related: Do Snakes have Feelings?

Are Snakes Friends with Other Snakes?

Snakes generally hang out alone but new research shows that they do also engage in social activities. For example, many species come together to hibernate in groups. They probably get additional protection by sleeping in a group.

Researchers Morgan Skinner and Noam Miller have discovered that snakes actively seek out and socialize with other snakes in order to survive. Quite simply, snakes have friends. “Like us, they strive for social contacts,” say the researchers.

The Garter snake is apparently the friendliest of all the snakes, and it appears to build social relationships with other snakes.

There doesn’t seem to be any evidence that snakes pair up and fall in love. However, there have been snake couples that seemed to live in captivity. These bonds are frequently short-lived, especially when other snakes are involved.

Snakes aren’t able that hang onto relationships for long; therefore, it is believed that the only way two snakes can form a relationship is by frequent interaction in captivity.

That’s just the way snakes behave. Even though they enjoy wrapping themselves around things (and even each other in snake pits), they do not want to be restrained in any way.

Related: Can Snakes be Petted?

What is the Friendliest Snake?

Corn snakes are considered to be the most popular and “friendly” snakes.

In general, corn snakes are placid and non-venomous. They seem okay with being handled. They have also been shown to be the most gentle and friendly snake species.

They are also the most popular starter pet snakes. They only grow to be 50 to 60 inches long and don’t seem to be too fussy.

Related: Do Snakes Cuddle?

How can you Make a Snake your Friend?

Snakes are amazing reptiles, but they need to learn to be handled. Make sure you get a pet snake that was born and raised in captivity because they are generally more okay with human interaction.

To ensure the snake is comfortable around you, here are some tips:

1. Give him some space. Like other animals, snakes need some time and space to adjust. Allow them to get used to their surroundings, and make sure to check their water on a frequent basis.
2. Let him eat. Take care of their eating routine. Many species actually only eat once per week, although it depends on many factors such as size, age, and species. Handling your new pet is best done after their first rat meal.
3. Consider their age. Young snakes are usually more tense; however, it depends on the species. Young corn snakes are more uncomfortable being handled than older ones, in my experience. Learn your reptile’s age stage. If your snake is young, be extra cautious.
4. Handle your snake once a week. Snakes don’t love to curdle. They enjoy seclusion. Your snake will be more used to regular handling after a few months of being picked up 3 – 4 times each month. They just need to get used to you first.
5. Let your snake be active. After familiarizing yourself with handling, your snake may enjoy playing games in a more relaxed situation. Allow them to swim in a small pool. Not all active snakes enjoy this, so know your snake’s interests.

Overall, snakes are low-maintenance pets that don’t crave attention. So, slowly get to know them and let them get comfortable with you.

Related: Can you Train a Snake?

Conclusion

Snakes do not experience friendship with humans. But, they can be friendly with humans if they are properly cared for and are acclimatized to being handled by human beings.

Fortunately, snakes don’t require a lot of attention. Their way of life requires no work, and they are often pleasant to be around as long as you are willing to accommodate for their requirements.

Some snakes, such as Corn snakes, are non-venomous and very harmless if handled properly. They are regarded as the friendliest of all the snakes.

Owning a snake is a serious responsibility that should not be taken lightly, just as with any other pet. If you do your research on the many species of pet snakes before bringing one home, you should be able to avoid any bad experiences.