Diet is another critical factor to snake life expectancy. In the wild, snakes have to hunt for their food, and those that eat regularly and have access to high-quality prey like rodents or birds will likely live longer.
Pet snakes, on the other hand, need to be fed properly in captivity. Overfeeding or underfeeding can shorten a pet snake’s lifespan.
In addition, the way snakes are cared for in captivity plays a big role in how long they live. Pet snakes need specific temperature ranges, humidity levels and hiding places to mimic their natural habitat. That means that having the right conditions in your snake’s enclosure is essential, as it will help your pet maintain his optimal body temperature.
Stress from improper care can shorten a snake’s lifespan significantly. Proper care is essential if you want your pet snake to live a long, healthy life.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.