What Pit Vipers Should I Get?
Pit vipers are one of the most popular types of snakes kept as pets, and for good reason. They are generally hardy and easy to care for, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. If you’ve decided that a pit viper is the right snake for you, there are several factors to consider when selecting the perfect pet.
Pit vipers are a type of venomous snake, so named for the heat-sensing pit organs located between the nostrils and eyes. This species includes several subtypes, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. Though these snakes are dangerous in the wild, they can be kept as pets with the right knowledge and care.
Pit vipers come in a range of colors and patterns, from bright yellow to dark brown. They can range in size from 2 feet to 7 feet long, depending on the species. They can live up to 20 years when properly cared for, and can become quite tame with regular handling.
When selecting a pit viper, it is important to consider the size, temperament, and care requirements of different species.
Size
Pit vipers come in a range of sizes, from 2 feet to 7 feet long. Smaller species, such as the Western Pygmy Rattlesnake, can be kept in a 10-gallon tank, while larger species, such as the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, require a much larger enclosure.
Temperament
Pit vipers can be calm and docile, or aggressive and unpredictable. Species such as the Trans-Pecos Copperhead tend to be more docile, while species such as the Timber Rattlesnake can be more aggressive. It is important to research the temperament of the species you are considering to ensure that it is a good fit for your home.
Care Requirements
Pit vipers have specific care requirements that must be met for them to stay healthy. They require a warm, humid environment and must be fed live mice or rats. It is important to research the care requirements of the species you are considering to make sure you can provide proper care.
Below are some of the most popular pit viper species kept as pets.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America, growing up to 7 feet in length. They are native to the southeastern United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, from woodlands to marshes. They are beautiful snakes with a distinct pattern of diamond-shaped markings.
Trans-Pecos Copperhead
The Trans-Pecos Copperhead is a small species of pit viper, growing to an average of 2 feet in length. They are native to the southwestern United States and are found in a variety of habitats, from rocky hillsides to grasslands. They have a distinctive pattern of copper-colored bands running down their back.
Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake is a large species of pit viper, growing up to 5 feet in length. They are native to the eastern United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to wetlands. They are beautiful snakes with a distinct pattern of brown and black banding.
Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake is a small species of pit viper, growing to an average of 18 inches in length. They are native to the southwestern United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to woodlands. They have a distinctive pattern of dark brown spots on a light brown background.
Pit vipers are beautiful and fascinating snakes that can make great pets. When selecting a pit viper, it is important to consider factors such as size, temperament, and care requirements. There are many different species of pit viper, each with its own unique characteristics. With the right knowledge and care, pit vipers can make wonderful and rewarding pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are pit vipers?
A: Pit vipers are a type of venomous snake, so named for the heat-sensing pit organs located between the nostrils and eyes. This species includes several subtypes, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths.
Q: What are some common pit viper species?
A: Some common pit viper species include the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, the Trans-Pecos Copperhead, the Timber Rattlesnake, and the Western Pygmy Rattlesnake.
Q: What are the size and care requirements of pit vipers?
A: Pit vipers come in a range of sizes, from 2 feet to 7 feet long. They require a warm, humid environment and must be fed live mice or rats. It is important to research the care requirements of the species you are considering to make sure you can provide proper care.
Q: How long do pit vipers live?
A: Pit vipers can live up to 20 years when properly cared for.
Q: Are pit vipers dangerous?
A: Pit vipers are dangerous in the wild, but they can be kept as pets with the right knowledge and care. With regular handling, they can even become quite tame.