Corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes in the world. Their docile nature, striking/varied colouration, and manageable size make them ideal for beginners and experienced reptile enthusiasts. However, even with their friendly reputation, one of the most common questions asked by prospective owners and curious individuals is: “Do corn snakes bite?”
Understanding Corn Snake Behaviour
Corn snakes, like all animals, have their behaviours shaped by their environment, handling experiences, and instincts. Generally speaking, corn snakes are non-aggressive and unlikely to bite without significant provocation.
Their calm demeanor is one of the reasons they’re so popular. But they are an animal, and like any other animal, there is the potential for a bite.
Biting is a natural behaviour for snakes, typically used in two situations: defense and feeding. By understanding these instincts, you can reduce the chances of being bitten by a corn snake.
Defensive Bites
Corn snakes may bite defensively if they feel threatened or cornered. In the wild, these snakes are preyed upon by larger animals, so their first instinct is to flee from danger. However, if escape isn’t an option, they may strike to protect themselves. Defensive biting is more common in younger or newly acquired snakes that are still acclimating to their environment and human interaction.
Signs that a corn snake is feeling defensive include:
- S-shape body posture: The snake coils into an S-shape, which indicates it is preparing to strike.
- Hissing: A hiss is a warning to back off.
- Tail rattling: Although they lack a true rattle, corn snakes may vibrate their tails as a mimicry behaviour.
If you notice these signs, it is best to leave the snake alone and try to handle it at another time.
However, doing this too often can mean that the snake learns that it can get out of a handling session through these behaviours.
However, the snake may be behaving this way because it is going through a shed. Shedding can be a scary time for snakes as their eyesight can be restricted during this time.
Feeding-Related Bites
Feeding-related bites occur when a snake mistakes your hand or fingers for prey (or misses the prey item on the tongs). This typically happens if you handle your snake immediately after touching food items like rodents. Corn snakes have a strong sense of smell and rely on it to locate their prey. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your snake to avoid confusion.
Another potential scenario is if you’re feeding the snake directly by hand rather than using tongs.
Using feeding tools helps create a safe distance between you and the snake’s mouth, reducing the chances of accidental bites.
To reduce the chances of a snake missing the prey item and accidentally biting you, try to feed the corn snake so the tongs are at a 90-degree angle to the snake’s direction. The snake will therefore strike parallel to you and is less likely to come close to your hand.
How to Handle a Corn Snake Safely
To minimise the likelihood of bites, follow these tips when handling your corn snake:
- Approach calmly: Sudden movements can startle the snake, so approach it slowly and confidently.
- Support its body: Use both hands to gently lift and support the snake’s entire body.
- Avoid handling during shedding: Corn snakes may be more irritable or defensive when they are shedding, as their vision is impaired.
- Give new snakes time to adjust: Don’t handle a new snake until it has fed for you.
By practicing proper handling techniques and understanding your snake’s body language, you can build trust and reduce the risk of biting incidents.
Are Corn Snakes Venomous?
A common follow-up question about snake bites is whether corn snakes are venomous. All corn snakes are completely non-venomous (and not poisonous either!).
What Does Non-Venomous Mean?
Non-venomous snakes lack venom glands or specialized teeth to deliver toxins. Instead, they rely on constriction to subdue their prey. Corn snakes use their muscular bodies to coil around small animals like mice and rats, causing the prey item’s heart to stop before swallowing them whole.
Why Are Corn Snakes Mistaken for Venomous Species?
Corn snakes are often confused with venomous species like copperheads due to their similar colouration and patterns. This resemblance is a form of mimicry that helps protect them from predators in the wild. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become apparent.
There is also no way to determine whether a snake is venomous or not from the way they look.
Many non-venomous snakes mimic venomous species to fool predators, much like the corn snake.
The simple rule is if you’re not sure whether a snake is venomous or not in the wild, don’t touch it. The only place in the world where this rule can be ignored is Madagascar, where there are 80 species of snakes, with not a single one of them being venomous. If you visit one of our animal experiences, you can meet Geraldine, our 6.5-foot Madagascan Dumeril’s Boa.
What If You’re Bitten by a Corn Snake?
If a corn snake does bite, the injury is usually minor. These snakes have small, sharp teeth designed for gripping prey rather than inflicting harm. A bite may result in tiny puncture wounds that are easily cleaned with soap and water. To prevent infection, apply an antiseptic and monitor the area for any signs of redness or swelling. Serious complications from a corn snake bite are extremely rare.
Why Corn Snakes Make Great Pets
Despite the potential for occasional bites, corn snakes remain one of the best pet snake species available. Their temperament, ease of care, and non-venomous nature make them a favorite among reptile enthusiasts. By understanding their behaviour and practicing safe handling techniques, you can enjoy a fulfilling and bite-free relationship with your corn snake.
In summary, while corn snakes can bite, it’s uncommon and usually avoidable with proper care and handling. And for those concerned about venom, rest assured that these snakes pose no toxic threat to humans. Whether you’re a seasoned reptile keeper or a first-time owner, a corn snake can be a rewarding and fascinating addition to your home.
