Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) have been pet snakes with long-standing global popularity. With the beautiful patterns that most varieties of these reptiles cut, their unpredictable temperaments, their small size, and the quiet evolution that has placed them into modern homes. However, are corn snakes venomous? One big issue that any new or experienced snake owner might have is whether or not corn snakes are venomous.
The topic regarding snake venom itself can be considered misleading and modified by misconceptions connected with the abilities of certain snake species. Read this informative article to learn the naked truth about corn snake venom, some myths dispelling, and the scientifically expressed data on the venom efficiency of such interesting animals as corn snakes.
Furthermore, based on the result of the content analysis, you will understand the specific dangers, if any, of keeping a corn snake as a pet.
Are Corn Snakes Venomous?
In a nutshell, corn snakes are not venomous yes is the short and simple answer as much as it is unfortunate for a corn snake enthusiast or owner to hear. In contrast to some other snake species, two principal glands that are needed to produce venom or the fangs to inject it into the prey are missing in corn snakes.
Corn snakes are colloquially classified under the colubrids which are not regarded as venomous snakes. There are, however, some colubrid snakes like the boomslang with rear fangs which secretes venom but these are relatively harmless to humans. However, some categories of snakes are harmless; for example, corn snakes possess absolutely no venom.
One such difference is the absence of venom, and this fact makes corn snakes very demanded reptiles for home-keeping. This has made them to be regarded as quite safe reptiles especially for experts and beginners in the hobby because they are not aggressive and they cannot even sting.
Additionally, corn snakes must not be fed with mice or rats as they grow very big and can be frightening corn snakes are considered perfect for first-timers into reptiles.
Myth of venom of corn snake
Despite the result, of scientific data that states that corn snakes do not have venom, the myth of its venom continues to exist. This misinformation is probably the result of the ‘teeth’ that corn snakes, and indeed many other snakes, have – they are in effect fangs since they encompass the snake’s ability to seize prey and swallow it.
These are not true fangs as are found in venomous snakes, but rather teeth which the corn snake has located near the back part of its mouth. They are normal teeth that the snake uses to grip its prey as well as overpower it, the snake does not use these teeth to deliver the venom. These are snake’s teeth and are used to capture and eat small rodents including mice and rats which form the major diet of a corn snake.
Besides, their mouths are quite small in proportion to their body size; therefore, corn snakes can’t penetrate through human skin let alone give a bite that could inject venomous substance in their bite. Let it be noted that despite the state of being a venomous snake, the threat of being attacked by a corn snake is significantly low and the sting, moreover, is said to be no more painful than a scratch.
Importance of Proper Identification
Now, without any doubt, corn snakes are not venomous, however, the reader should know the existence of some snake varieties that are indeed venomous and are capable of harming a human. It is hence important to be able to differentiate between the various snake species, especially in a situation where one has a venomous snake and they are presented with a nonvenomous one.
An example of a venomous snake often mistaken for a corn snake is the copperhead snake [Agkistrodon contortrix]. Copperheads are a species of rattlesnakes found in some regions of the eastern and central United States and, indeed, it has a dangerous venom that poses a threat to human beings.
Fortunately, there are several fundamental physical distinctions between corn snakes and copperheads that can assist you in making a distinction. Corn snakes tend to be more slender, their heads pointed, and the fact that they have a clear pattern of striping/blotching/saddling on their dorsal surface.
Copperheads are more massive and have a round snout more so when compared to the four-line racer and have a pattern of an hourglass on their body.
The other venomous snake that resembles a corn snake is the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus). Although these two snakes have very similar patterns, the Diamondback Rattlesnake is much bigger, has a triangular-shaped head, and of course the rattle on its tail.
If you remain confused about the type of snake you are dealing with then it is better to stay away from it. Talking to a local herpetologist or some wildlife officer may also assist in the correct identification of species and any dangers they may pose.
The Benefit of Corn Snakes as a pet
Being non-venomous and very bland, corn snakes are one of the most sought-after pet snakes globally. These reptiles offer several benefits for both experienced and novice snake owners:
1. Manageable Size: Corn snakes have a maximum length of about 5 feet they are not very large or dangerous snake species and can be easily tamed. This makes them appropriate for small and big terrains therefore they can find comfortable homes in several systems.
2. Ease of Care: They are nonvenomous and are generally safe for handling; they are also very low-maintenance animals that are relatively simple to take care of. Their nutritional needs are quite basic, they can bear diverse climate conditions encompassing temperatures and humidity and are not very sensitive to most environmental changes.
3. Docile Temperament: Corn snakes do not bite due to their friendly nature and it is a completely harmless snake. Contrary to many other snakes, they are not very aggressive and in most cases, they will not bite or strike at all.
4. Attractive Appearance: Corn snakes are among the most beautiful snakes and have color morphs and patterns of different designs and colors these include the basic orange and black corn snake normal look and others such as the albinism morph, anerythristic morph, and hypo-melanistic morph. This diversity of coat patterns makes the animal attractive as a pet.
5. Longevity: When correctly cared for, the corn snake’s lifespan in captivity is 15 to 20 years further making it a good choice as a pet.
All in all, they are non-venomous, relatively small, easy to care for, and visually pleasing snakes which make corn snakes suitable for both, experienced keepers and beginners.
Proper Handling and safety precautions
People consider corn snakes to be very friendly or perhaps nondangerous snakes, but there are some safe measures to observe when handling corn snakes. Here are some tips for properly handling corn snakes:
1. Wash your hands: One must be very careful with corn snakes and ensure that he/she washes his/her hands before and after handling the snake to avoid having the snake transfer any bacteria or chemicals on the handler.
2. Approach calmly: It also means that corn snakes can become stressed and be defensive if one tries to deal with it in a hurry or with a lot of energy. Do not rush when reaching the snake or moving closer to it; one should spend some time quietly standing close to the snake until it does the same.
3. Support the entire body: This calls for excellent handling technique when picking the corn snake; every part of the snake’s body including the head and the tail should be supported. Do not hold the snake gently by the head or by the tail for this makes the snake stressed or even injured.
4. Avoid sudden movements: The corn snake species are known to be sensitive to movements or noise since this normally causes it to react. When approaching and/or holding the snake, it is also important not to rush and/or panic the snake since it may cause the animal to become aggressive.
5. Provide a secure environment: See to it that the container where you keep the snake is well enclosed so that the snake does not get a chance to slip out and get lost or even get hurt.
6. Seek medical attention for bites: It is said that corn snake bites are harmless, however, it is crucial to properly clean and pay attention to any bite that occurs, to avoid the formation of an infection. One must consult a doctor if there are any side effects noted while using the product.
Boasting the safety measures listed above, one can keep benefiting from the corn snake with fewer worries concerning the potential dangers arising from handling pet reptiles.
Exploding Some of the Most Noted Myths about Corn Snake Venom
Thus, the misinformation about the corn snake venom remains alive although scientific proof has shown that the snakes in question are not venomous at all. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common misconceptions surrounding corn snake venom::
Myth 1: the myth that is related to corn snakes is that it has venom and it is capable of harming something or someone through a bite.
Surprisingly, this is simply not true. It should be noted that corn snakes are not venomous in any way; they do not contain venom glands or anything similar to venom injectors. Big cats have normal-sized teeth for seizing and consuming their prey, not for injecting poison.
Myth 2: Corn snake bites its prey to the extent that it is lethal.
However, to reduce the risks of severe inflammation and infection all snake bites should be treated seriously though corn snake bites are not fatal to human beings.
Bites themselves are usually just an act of сlinging a small part of their body on the human skin as for a prawn, and infection rarely occurs, if the bite is washed and treated correctly.
Myth 3: Corn snakes are actually ‘‘related’’ to venomous snakes, therefore, they are venomous as well.
In fact this is not true because corn snakes are members of the colubrids family of snakes and colubrids mostly are nonvenomous snakes.
However, that is not true with all colubrids because as much as a third of them have mildly toxic venom, but in specific corn snakes, there is no venom whatsoever.
Myth 4: Corn snakes can be trained to sting their prey with a venomous fang.
This is not possible at all. Despite the capacity of corn snakes to bite, they have no potency to inject venom even in the event of being “trained” to do so. Their teeth and organelles used to produce venom are not evolved for that function.
Myth5: Corn snakes are venomous and should therefore not be domesticated.
As it has been mentioned, corn snakes are one of a few completely safe snake species and among the most frequently tamed since they are not venomous. If treated correctly, they prove to be extremely low-risk, and suitable pets for even the most amateur of reptile owners.
These five myths reveal the myths around corn snake venom and thus, one can be armed with a knowledge of safety or lack of in handling these gorgeous and interesting animals.
The Role of Venom in snakes’ evolution and ecology
Even though corn snakes have no venom, one has to know what a role the presence of venom plays in the process of evolution and the role it underplays in the ecosystem of other snake species. Venom is a very niche element, closely associated with a great many snake groups and it’s used in various capacities.
To a large extent, venom is used for capturing and eliminating prey among many different snake species. Some species have a very high toxicity level, and the prey, big as it may be, would easily become paralyzed or die from the venom, thus having a relatively easy time being eaten by the snake. It has impacted their biological opportunism and made it possible for venomous snakes to feed on a large number of prey thereby occupying different ecological niches.
Venom also has a function of protection in some snake species since this makes potential attackers avoid engaging the snake. The ability to give a potentially fatal bite is also a good protection method for snakes against becoming prey in turn.
However, as with all traits throughout the evolution, there are always corresponding costs that need to be incurred, or trade-offs that have to be made, in this case for the production of venom.
Firstly, the creation and maintenance of the venom-secreting apparatus as well as modified fangs is a substantially costly process for the snake. Unfortunately, the amount of resources needed to produce venom is prohibitive; this is why nonvenomous snakes, such as the corn snake, have also been successful and speciated since they do not need to produce venom and can spend the energy elsewhere.
In this case, it is crucial to stress that one can hardly speak about the general level of danger the given species of snakes poses, based on the presence or absence of venom. Affirmatively, certain constrictors and other non-venomous snakes are still dangerous to human life because of their size and strength as well as feeding habits.
On the other hand, some venomous snakes, for instance, small rear-fanged colubrids, are regarded as of low medical importance to human beings.
Recognition of venom in the light of the general organism development of snakes can provide a better understanding of the variety and versatility of these lizards; in addition to further emphasizing focus on the identification of one’s snake in interaction with the public or other organisms and understanding the danger of the species.
Lastly, it can be stated that corn snakes are indeed harmless and have little to no negative impact on people. If there is any truth, however, to the old wives’ tale concerning the venomous nature of such frequently petted snakes, scientific findings point to the negative effect in the most prominent snakes sold and owned affectionately in homes.
Regular animal lovers and reptiles keepers can state that corn snakes is one of the best pets that can be possessed by a person.
It should also be noted that the identification of snake species is very important since the responder can encounter a venomous snake instead of a nonvenomous one. In case you are in doubt about the species of a snake, it is advisable not to go near the snake with a view of holding it.
When properly informed and properly taken care of, corn snakes can be the best pets you can have if you want to have an exotic and interesting reptile. Therefore, in case you are thinking over the possibility of having a corn snake as a pet you can be sure that these gorgeous creatures are non-poisonous snakes which will provide only a lot of joy.
Conclusion
Corn snakes are a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts due to their vibrant colors, manageable size, and gentle temperament. But are corn snakes venomous? Corn snakes are not venomous and pose no threat to humans.
These snakes are popular pets due to their docile nature, easy care requirements, and attractive coloration. They rely on constriction to subdue their prey rather than venom, making them a safe and fascinating choice for reptile enthusiasts.
Knowing the non-venomous nature of corn snakes can help dispel common myths and encourage more people to appreciate these remarkable creatures.