Pituophis melanoleucus
Author:ANTHONY SINN
Description: The Northern Pine snake is a hardy and attractive snake that can attain a size of about 66 inches. They have highly keeled dorsal scales that give a rough feel to their skin as they move through your hands. Their base colour is white or pale grey with large brown or black irregular blotches changing to stripes on the anterior of the body. The ventral area (belly) is white to off-white with a single ventral scale (scale covering the body opening where tail meets body). The three characteristics that distinguish Northern pines are the pointed head; the rounded and somewhat enlarged rostral scale (scale at the tip of the nose); and the four prefrontal scales (those located just one row forward from the row of scales between the eyes). When choosing a Northern Pine Snake as a pet, try to avoid wild caught specimens as they often harbour internal and external parasites, are very nervous and often do not adjust well to captivity and can be problem feeders.
Distribution: South New Jersey, West Virginia, North Georgia, southwest and southeast North Carolina.
Husbandry: Adult Northern Pine Snakes require a fairly large cage complete with hiding areas, freshwater for drinking, medium humidity, a gradient temperature and a very secured lid to prevent escapes. The minimum dimensions of the cage should be 2m x .75m x .5m. This cage should have an ambient temperature of about 25°C +/- 2°C during the day with a drop in temperature to 20°C at night. Heating the cage can be achieved with the addition of a secured light bulb that is protected from the cage occupant(s) so as to prevent burns. To prevent overheating, a thermostat should be installed in the cage and the light connected to it. For proper shedding, a relative humidity between 50 - 70% is preferred. This can be accomplished by keeping a humidifier within the same room as the environment. The gradient temperature can be achieved by heating one end of the cage to 25°C - 30°C with a heating pad or heat tape and allow the opposite end to be a couple of degrees cooler. To monitor the temperature, a thermometer should be included in the design. Though Northern Pine Snakes do not require ultraviolet they do require a photoperiod of 12 to 15 hours per day during their active months. The ground medium can consist of either pine wood shavings, sand, fine orchid bark, newspaper or bare floor. The sand and orchid bark are aesthetically attractive and can be easily scooped out when soiled. Newspaper is ideal for two reasons: it has a antibacterial agent due to the printing; and is convenient for for quick and easy cleaning.
Diet: Northern Pine Snakes have a healthy appetite and a very efficient digestive system with the exception of some females. Occasionally young females seem to have difficulties digesting and will occasionally regurgitate if too large a food item is eaten. Feeding small, more frequent meals seem to eliminate this problem. They will readily feed on appropriate size rats, mice, gerbils, rabbits and sometimes birds. Day-old chicks are occasionally take but are rather low in nutrients and should be fed infrequently. It is recommended to feed food that is dead as there have been serious injuries caused by rodents intended as food that decided to fighting back.
Common disease or problems: Ectoparasite (external parasites) can be easily treated by the keeper. Ticks can be dabbed with Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol and then a few minutes later removed with tweezers. Mites can be eradicated by exposure to a small 1/2 inch square piece of Vapona® Strip for 48 hours and then the process repeated 14 days later. It is advisable to remove the water while exposed to the Vapona®. Internal parasites can be diagnosed with a stool analysis done by your local vet. Once the parasite has ben identified, your veterinarian can recommend the proper medication at the appropriate reptile dosage. Blister disease Vesicular dermatitis can be life threatening. If discolouration or blisters appear on the abdominal area, consult your vet immediately. Respiratory infections are identified by laboured breathing or bubbling at the nose and/or mouth should receive immediate veterinary attention. Usually caused by drafty environmental conditions.
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