Are Pet Snakes Defanged?
Do Pet Snakes Have Their Fangs Removed?
This is a question that comes up frequently from people who are new to snake keeping or nervous about getting bitten. The short answer is no, pet snakes are not defanged. In fact, most popular pet snake species do not even have fangs in the traditional sense. Let’s clear up the confusion about snake teeth, fangs, and what you should actually expect when keeping a pet snake.
Most Pet Snakes Do Not Have Fangs
When people think of snake fangs, they usually picture the large, hollow teeth that venomous snakes like rattlesnakes and cobras use to inject venom. But the most common pet snakes, including ball pythons, corn snakes, king snakes, and boas, are not venomous and do not have this type of fang at all. Instead, they have rows of small, backward curving teeth that they use to grip prey while constricting.
These teeth are small, needle like, and designed for holding onto food rather than delivering venom. They are not dangerous to humans in any meaningful way. A bite from a pet snake feels like a quick pinch and rarely causes more than tiny pinprick marks that heal within a day or two.
Why Defanging Does Not Happen
There are several reasons why pet snakes are not defanged. First, as we just discussed, most pet snakes do not have fangs to remove. Second, even for snakes that do have fangs, removing them would be cruel and ultimately pointless. Snake teeth are continuously replaced throughout their lives. If you removed a tooth today, a new one would grow in to replace it within weeks. Snakes can go through dozens of sets of teeth over their lifetime.
Third, removing a snake’s teeth would interfere with its ability to eat. Snakes need their teeth to grip and manipulate prey as they swallow it whole. A defanged or detoothed snake would struggle to eat and could starve or develop serious health problems. No responsible veterinarian would perform such a procedure, and no ethical breeder or pet store would sell a snake that had been modified in this way.
What About Venomous Snakes?
Some people who keep venomous snakes (which requires permits and extensive experience in most jurisdictions) have historically had their snakes “devenomized” through a procedure called a venomoid surgery. This surgery removes or damages the venom glands rather than the fangs themselves. However, this practice is highly controversial and is considered unethical by most of the reptile keeping community.
Venomoid surgery does not always work permanently, the venom glands can regenerate, and the surgery carries significant risks for the snake including infection and chronic pain. Most venomous snake keepers and herpetological societies strongly oppose the practice and advocate for proper safety protocols instead of surgical modifications.
How to Avoid Getting Bitten by a Pet Snake
The good news is that bites from pet snakes are not something you need to worry much about. Most common pet snakes are gentle and rarely bite when handled properly. To minimize the chance of being bitten, wash your hands before handling your snake, especially if you have been touching rodents or other prey items. Approach your snake calmly and confidently, avoiding sudden movements. Do not handle your snake on feeding days or for 48 hours after it has eaten. Use a snake hook to gently tap the snake before picking it up, which lets it know you are not food.
What to Do if Your Pet Snake Bites You
If your pet snake does bite you, stay calm. The worst thing you can do is jerk your hand away, which can tear the snake’s teeth and injure both you and the snake. Instead, gently support the snake and wait for it to release on its own. Running the snake’s head under lukewarm water can encourage it to let go. Once released, wash the bite with soap and water and apply antiseptic. The bite will heal quickly and is nothing to be alarmed about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pet snakes defanged before being sold?
No, pet snakes are not defanged. Most popular pet snake species do not have fangs at all. They have small, backward curving teeth that are harmless to humans and are needed for the snake to eat.
Do pet snake bites hurt?
Pet snake bites feel like a quick pinch and rarely draw significant blood. They are comparable to a cat scratch and heal within a day or two with basic first aid.
Can you remove a snake’s teeth?
While it is physically possible, removing a snake’s teeth is cruel and pointless. Snake teeth regrow continuously throughout their lives, and removing them prevents the snake from eating properly, which can lead to starvation and death.