Species Notes based on experiences:

Northern Pine Snakes can be a mixed bag of a snake to keep. Some 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. If bought as a baby both the snake and keeper have time to get used to one another. To say that Northern Pine snake’s 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 incredibly rare. Even animals that are totally tame once out of the vivarium can remain vocal within it. 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 Pine Snakes can usually be worked with. Rarely truly irratible animals do occur but in the main if handled regularly them become used to human interaction. One must keep in mind this kind of behaviour if it occurs happens through fear. It is important the snake learns to not fear you. Defensive behaviours such as hissing, gaping of the mouth, flopping of the tongue and a rigid body stance may be seen. Also this snake has well developed anal musk glands that can be used which omit a foul odour. Defensive behaviours rarely if ever include biting. This is not a snake that is quick to bite and would sooner use its full arsenal of other behaviours first. We have scored this species 70%, this is a respectable score and illustrates 3 in 10 may utilise some of the behaviours above. 7 out of 10 however will be perfectly happy to be handled.

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. Even these specimens once removed from the enclosure will usually hush up almost immediately when out of the tank. It is actually quite comical how different the snake can be in and out of the enclosure. Owing the likelihood of some of these behaviours occurring this snake may be better suited to older teens or adults rather than children.  

Occurring on the Eastern Coastal region of the United States with the main stronghold in New Jersey this snake is tough. Very cold winters can occur and these snakes would undoubtedly have had to evolve to brumate in burrows for multiple months through winter. This snake this snake incredibly tough.  This is a forgiving species that thrives in captive care and has done for many years when care was far more rudimentary than it is today.

This is a large species, one of the largest covered on the website. This is a heavy set snake easily attaining 2 metres in length. A mature female will easily consume medium rats without issue. Mature animals is they decide to behave in a defensive manner could be quite intimidating and for this reason we again say this is probably a species reserved for older teens or adults who may be more confident with their pets.  

This website does not give out 100% scores lightly. Northern Pine Snakes are worthy of this score. They are eating machines. They grow fast and develop well. Their metabolism is bordering on fast and as a result can produce quite a volume of waste. Occasionally in winter they will fast for a couple of months. This is nothing to worry about. Some keepers may brumate them to stop them shedding weight too quickly during this fast, either way the hiatus in feeding is usually short lived and a voracious diet is quickly resumed. Owing to how energetically they take their food always use tongs to feed Pine Snakes.

Enclosure recommendations:

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

Vivarium:
    150cm x 60cm x 60cm

Budget rig: -
    60cm 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:

This is a tough snake. Weather averages across its natural range plunge to freezing at night time. This would lead to a 3-4 month Brumation in the wild. In captivity we would not need to be this harsh with our animals and a period of 2 months should suffice. Wet seasons seem variable across the range and would not feature as an environmental trigger for reproduction. Temperature changes will almost certainly do this. Most snakes will feed fine for the first 2 years at least, more than likely without ever missing a meal. Sexual maturity will see males in particular possibly start to stutter with food intake. Use this as the cue for Brumation practices to begin taking place.   

Conclusion:

Reading the above may have slightly skewed your view of what can be a thoroughly rewarding and tame pet snake. If worked with from a youngster there is no reason why a tame Pine Snake will not be present. They do seem to have short memories so try to keep up appearances. They do seem to be a snake that can revert back to hissy ways if left alone for too long. As long as you have the time to commit to this species, the space and the confidence you will have a wonderful pet snake.