northern pine

[lizardmom]

i got my daughter a northern pine snake , would like to know when type of snake it is,, i know that it grows big, so any info on it would be helpful, i have read alot about them ,but knowledge from fellow herpers is always welcome.
thanks
lizardmom:)

[Ontario_herper]

Pine snakes are amazing snakes. I have about a dozen or so! Most pines will reach a length of 4-6'. Most young pines are quite "defensive" and will not hesitate to hiss and strike. Pines in general tend to be much more bluff than bite. With a bit of size, handling, and luck most pines become quite docile. I use several pines for my educational shows. Although, some seem more reluctant to tame down and may become more of a challenge for your daughter to handle depending on her experience.

If you have a specific questions feel free to ask!

[tai_pan1]

I would love to get a Northern Pine, beautiful snakes, but they are endangered in NJ and unlawful to possess. :(

[C.m.pyrrhus]

First off, good deal and great choice of snake!

Pines, Gopher and Bull snakes are Colubrids in the Pituophis group. Here in AZ we have 2 species of Gophers; Sonoran and Great Basin.

I have 3 Sonoran Gophers myself, all of which are WC. The smallest one is still pretty pissy, hisses and puffs up, all that fun stuff. The adults are very calm now and will cruize through my hands and fingers. The biggest is bit over 5 feet. Snakes in this group of snakes get big. They are Arizonas longest species of snake, and are known to get to ~108" (thats 9 feet) in length. Most of the time, they only get around 5-7 as for what I have seen in the wild. One of my all-time favorite colubrids, sweet a$$ snakes. I like them more than most kingsnakes and very much more than corns or other ratsnakes. Just awesome.

[lizardmom]

wow, interesting, it was the first snake that my daughter-(who is 9)-held, i was always afraid of snakes and she said to me "see mom, it will not hurt you," she holds it and feeds it ,and handles it with care. She is the one , who seems to undertand animals, reptiles, anything,I tell her she would make a great vet for reptiles.
i have told her that it is a long term commitment-she is it's mom and has to look after it.
I hope to learn more about it as it gets bigger,and teaches us more about being gentle and understanding with any creature.
lizardmom

[lizardmom]

Oh, wow, that is neat, My husband and I want to retire and live in Arizona, i love your state, and they have hockey, what more could you ask for great weather, cool reptiles, great people, and hockey...hmmm Arizona-, nice weather, huh.. i am jealous....

[chas*e]

Northern Pine snakes are really nice and easy to take care of.....good choice....I know that a few members of the DSG keep them and breed them too I think.......

[lizardmom]

great to hear that , thanks- I will definately try to be at the next meeting of the dsg.,

[Ontario_herper]

Handling snakes very gently is the key to not getting bitten and having a nice friendly snake. You must keep in mind that snakes don't "enjoy" being handled. It is just something they are not used to. But making every handling session as stress free for the snake (though gentle handling) will ensure that both parties enjoy their time together!

It sounds like your daughter really enjoys snakes. This is great! There are many entry level books out there that with a bit of help from you I'm sure a 9 year-old could handle. Reading books and talking to other keepers it the best way to learn about reptiles.

[nolagurl]

Originally posted by lizardmom
My husband and I want to retire and live in Arizona,

If I ever get rich my fiance and I want to buy a cabin in Sedona, AZ. I'd even live in a cardboard box in AZ. j/k

[lizardmom]

cool, yes would love to live there, cardboard probably has a better life expectancy in AZ, than it does here.. -rain , snow,
oh well ....getting snow today i think..