Read About Desert Snakes

Desert Snakes are a species of snakes that can only be found in dry desert climates. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Desert Snakes - Facts

  1. Description:

    Desert snakes are limbless reptiles that are related to lizards. They live only in desert regions of the world
  2. Varieties:

    There are over 2,500 species of snakes throughout the world and many of these are found in desert regions. Some of the various types of desert snakes are the rattlesnake, sidewinder, coral, kingsnake, gopher, banded sand snake, glossy snake, leaf-nosed snake and the worm snake.
  3. History:

    History proves that snakes evolved from burrowing lizards or lizards that were going through aquatic adaptation.
  4. Physical Traits:

    Snakes have bodies that are covered in scales that they shed periodically. Their eyes are covered with transparent scales, thus they have no eyelids. They also have no external ears and have no limbs.
  5. Other Defining Characteristics:

    Some snakes hibernate, and most all like some sort of place to hide in their environment. Some snake's birth live young while other are egg layers.
  6. Habitat:

    There are so many varieties of desert snakes that you will find throughout all desert regions.

Desert Snakes - Concerns

  1. Benefits:

    Desert snakes help to control the population of other species of desert animals. Most desert snakes will feed on rodents, lizards, birds and even other snakes.
  2. Liabilities:

    Some snakes can become aggressive especially when it's feeding time. Make sure you pay close attention to your snake when you are feeding or handling it. There are also several breeds of snakes that are venomous, care should be taken when near these types of snakes.
  3. Health Issues:

    Snakes can be very prone to stress. Wild caught snakes are also prone to having diseases and parasites that can be harmful to both the snake and its handler.
  4. Specific Care Needs:

    Some snakes have difficulty with shedding, to help this along, snakes need access to logs and branches to aid them in shedding. Some snakes also need additional moisture during shedding, misting the terrarium during this time will aid in the shedding process.
  5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

    Some snakes can become very aggressive so you need to watch small children around snakes. Other pets should also be supervised when around your snake so as not to become the snake's next meal. Children should NEVER be allowed to handle any type of venomous snake.
  6. Special Household Needs:

    Be sure to keep your children or pets away from your snake anytime you cannot supervise them.

Desert Snakes - How to Choose

  1. What to Look for:

    You will want to make sure your snake looks alert, has plenty of water and a clean water bowl, a clean tank, that there is not different kinds of species in terrariums, make sure their skin looks healthy and is not dry and flaky, and there is proper heating and lighting in the tank.
  2. Supplies:

    You'll need a lamp, heater, tank, a place for your snake to hide, water bowls, branches and vines, and some type of bedding for your snake.
  3. Expense:

    Expenses vary greatly for snakes. It depends on the type of snake you are looking for and where you are looking to buy your snake from. Usually, the larger the snake, the more expensive it will be to both purchase and supply food.