Species Notes based on experiences:

Northern Mexican Pine Snakes can be a wonderful snake to keep. The majority of animals are totally tame and trustworthy. Easily comparable to a Corn Snake or Dione’s Rat Snake but just on a much grander scale. This a large powerful snake as a adult and could easily intimidate the less experienced keeper. Northern Mexican Pine Snakes are better tempered generally than North American Pine Snakes. If bought as a baby both the snake and keeper have time to get used to one another. Rarely Some examples regardless of interaction levels will maintain a distain for their human. To say that these snakes are ready feeders isn’t doing them justice they are eating machines. This species responds well to seasonal cues and is an unproblematic species to breed in captivity.  Some animals may show heightened aggression within the enclosure in the form of hissing or rapid flinching movements. This is nearly always bluff and bites are rare. Even animals that are totally tame once out of the vivarium can remain vocal within it. This species a truly attractive snake with a colour palette that develops over time. As with many species the yellow pigments are released into the pattern as the snake develops giving a real pop to the pattern. All snakes from the genus Pituophis have a specialised rostral (nose) scale that is enlarged and toughened. This is a tool used for digging. Rather than simply using other animal’s premade burrows these snakes are more than capable of digging their own. Pituophis snakes will always settle more in vivariums with some form of subterranean level to retreat to should the mood take them.

Score analysis:

When considering temperament, Northern Mexican Pine Snakes are one of the best tempered of the Pituophis genus. If purchased as a youngster they may be a little defensive to begin with but will calm quickly. Tail rattling and occasion low half hearted hissing may be encountered on occasion but this would be the equivalent of a human grumbling. Bites are rare from this species.

Territory disputes are more likely to occur than temperament issues. Regardless of how long you have had your Pine Snake they never seem fond of being disturbed and can be quite vocal about it. Usually this is bluff (the equivalent of a human noisily complaining) but this abates the moment the snake is removed from the enclosure. Some specimens may become very agitated and vocal throwing their body around the enclosure hissing loudly and mock striking. The likelihood of these behaviours is lower than with other Pituophis. If the snake is for a child this should be approached with caution and time should be spent with the snake prior to purchase.   

This species occurs in dry pine & oak forests at relatively high elevation on the Sierra Madre Orientalis (Eastern Mountains). This leaves them slightly exposed. This tolerance to exposure makes them a hardy captive that does not become ill easily. They shed at nominal room humidity generally without issue and are a pleasure to keep.

This is a large species. On occasion this snake will approach 6ft in length. This species does not carry the same mass as the North American Pine Snakes.  That said this is a still a strong snake. This is an elegantly proportioned snake and may be the perfect option for someone looking for a snake just that bit bigger than a Corn Snake.

Superb feeding response which is a trend across the Pituophis genus. Occasional fasting in adult males during winter may be expected. This won’t be an issue for the first 2-3 years the animal is alive and generally will feed consistently. Lack of appetite is associated with the exposed mountain climate they live within. Many regions will drop well below zero.

Enclosure recommendations:

Tub:
    This species is not suitable for keeping in a tub long term

Vivarium:
    120cm x 60cm x 60cm

Budget rig: -
   45 x 30cm heat pad
    On / off thermostat
    Digital thermometer to monitor thermostat performance
    Warm hide
    Cool hide
    Water bowl
    substrate

Recommended rig (vivarium only): -
    250w ceramic heat emitter
    Ceramic lamp holder and bracket
    Bulb guard
    Day night thermostat
    Digital thermometer to monitor thermostat performance
    Various logs and caves along the thermal gradient
    Damp hide (optional)
    Climbing and exercise branches
    Plants and foliage (live or artificial – your choice)
    Water bowl
    Substrate
    UVB light (8w T5 shade dweller 7% kit from Arcadia or equivalent) (optional)
    Subterranean section to vivarium for further psychological security (optional)

Climate analysis:

The climate data presented on this page has to be interpreted. The regions around where the animals are from are generally at low altitude. This does not accurately represent the temperatures half way up the Sierra Madre mountain range. This data simply is not available. The maps are presented to aid with timing of breeding seasons in this case. Brumation is often deep and protracted owing to how cold the mountain side gets in winter. This Brumation will be required to produce fertile viable adults for reproduction.     

Conclusion:

One of the very best Pituophis to own. This is an elegant and colourful animal as an adult. With time, patience and dedication this species can become as tame as any snake. All Pituophis have relatively short memories and if the keeper does not have the time to put in handling and calming the snake down then it may be best looking for another option.