Southern Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus)

Common Name: Pine Snake
Scientific Name: Pituophis melanoleucus
Source: CB
Adult Size: Typically 120–180cm (4–6ft), occasionally reaching up to 210cm in large individuals
Native Range: Southeastern United States, from North Carolina and Virginia south through Georgia and Florida

Enclosure: A minimum 180×60×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium, with a deep, loose substrate (such as topsoil, sand mix, or coco coir) to allow burrowing, at least two secure hides at either end of the thermal gradient, and a secure, well-ventilated lid — pine snakes are strong and persistent escape artists
Heating: Basking spot of 32°C, cool end ambient of 22–24°C, with a night-time drop to around 18–20°C permitted
Humidity: 40–60%; achieved through periodic misting and a slightly moist area of substrate at the cool end — avoid prolonged high humidity as this species comes from well-drained sandy habitats
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask within 20–30cm of it — pine snakes are active and diurnal (day-active), and access to UV light supports natural behaviour and long-term health
Diet: Frozen/thawed mice or rats appropriate to the snake's girth, offered every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults; pine snakes are enthusiastic, vigorous feeders and rarely refuse meals once settled

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Southern Pine Snake is a striking, powerfully built colubrid native to the sandy pine forests and scrublands of the southeastern United States. Wild individuals are fossorial (burrowing) by nature, spending much of their time underground or hidden beneath leaf litter, which is reflected in research showing a strong preference for loose, well-drained soils throughout their range. Their bold black-and-white patterning and impressive size make them one of the more visually dramatic North American snake species available in the hobby.

Pine snakes have a reputation for being feisty and dramatic when young — they will hiss loudly and even strike defensively — but the majority calm down considerably with regular, gentle handling. They are best suited to a keeper with some prior snake experience who can appreciate their personality and provide the space and burrowing opportunities this species genuinely needs to thrive.