If you’ve ever thought about bringing a snake into your life as a pet, one of the first questions that probably popped into your head is: “How long do snakes live?” It’s a very natural concern. After all, owning a pet is a big responsibility, and snakes are unique creatures that don’t exactly follow the same rulebook as cats or dogs.
I still remember when I first started researching snakes as pets—I was amazed (and honestly a bit shocked) at how long some of them can live. Unlike a hamster that might stay with you for just 2–3 years, or a rabbit that might live up to 8 years, certain snakes can live 20, 30, or even 40 years with proper care.
But here’s the catch: the lifespan of a snake varies a lot depending on the species, environment, and how well they’re cared for. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how long pet snakes live on average to how their lifespans compare in the wild, plus a breakdown of popular pet snake species. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect if you decide to welcome one into your home.
How Long Do Snakes Live in General?
Snakes are fascinating because their lifespans differ widely. Some only live a handful of years, while others can stick around for decades.
- Small snakes (like garter snakes or ribbon snakes): Usually live 5–10 years in captivity.
- Medium snakes (like corn snakes, milk snakes, or king snakes): Typically live 12–20 years.
- Larger snakes (like ball pythons, boas, or Burmese pythons): Can live 20–40 years, sometimes even longer.
In the wild, however, snakes usually don’t get to live as long. Predators, disease, harsh weather, and lack of steady food sources shorten their lifespan dramatically. A wild snake might only live half as long as it would in captivity.
So, if you’re looking at snakes as pets, here’s the golden rule: with good care, your snake will almost always live longer than it would in the wild.
How Long Do Snakes Live as Pets vs. in the Wild?
Let’s do a quick comparison so you can see the difference clearly:
| Snake Species | Lifespan in the Wild | Lifespan in Captivity (as pets) |
|---|---|---|
| Garter Snake | 2–4 years | 6–10 years |
| Corn Snake | 6–8 years | 15–20 years |
| King Snake | 7–9 years | 15–20 years |
| Ball Python | 10–15 years | 20–30+ years |
| Boa Constrictor | 15–20 years | 25–35 years |
| Burmese Python | 15–20 years | 25–40 years |
As you can see, captive snakes often live two to three times longer than their wild relatives. That’s because in your home, they don’t have to fight predators, search endlessly for food, or survive harsh winters. You’re basically removing all those natural dangers from their lives.
Factors That Affect How Long Snakes Live
Not all snakes live the same number of years, and even snakes of the same species may live very differently depending on care. Here are the biggest factors:
1. Species
This is the number one factor. A corn snake is never going to outlive a boa constrictor, no matter how much care you give. Some species are just naturally designed for shorter or longer lifespans.
2. Diet
A snake that eats a healthy diet (appropriately sized rodents or other prey) will live longer than one fed inconsistently or incorrectly. Overfeeding can also shorten lifespan because obesity is surprisingly common in captive snakes.
3. Habitat and Enclosure
If a snake has the right enclosure—proper temperature gradient, humidity, hiding spots, and clean water—it will thrive. Stress from poor habitat setups can shorten a snake’s life significantly.
4. Genetics
Just like humans, some snakes are simply born healthier than others. Responsible breeders often produce snakes with fewer genetic health issues.
5. Veterinary Care
Snakes can suffer from respiratory infections, mites, or parasites. Early treatment makes a big difference in their lifespan. Sadly, many new snake owners don’t realize their snake is sick until it’s too late.
6. Stress Levels
Yes, snakes can get stressed! Overhandling, loud environments, or housing them with other snakes (especially if they’re not a communal species) can take years off their lives.
Comparing Popular Pet Snake Lifespans
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular pet snakes and how long you can expect them to live:
🐍 Corn Snake
- Average lifespan in captivity: 15–20 years
- Why people love them: Corn snakes are often the “starter snake.” They’re hardy, relatively easy to care for, and have beautiful color morphs.
- Lifespan comparison: In the wild, many corn snakes don’t survive past 8 years due to predators. In captivity, though, with consistent feeding and care, they can live twice as long.
🐍 Ball Python
- Average lifespan in captivity: 20–30+ years
- Fun fact: Some ball pythons have been recorded living over 40 years in captivity.
- Why they’re popular: Ball pythons are calm, slow-moving, and rarely aggressive, making them great for beginners who want a longer-lived pet.
- Lifespan comparison: In the wild, they average 10–15 years because of natural threats.
🐍 King Snake
- Average lifespan in captivity: 15–20 years
- Unique trait: They’re immune to venom from other snakes and are known for eating other snakes in the wild.
- Why people love them: They’re active, easy to handle, and come in striking patterns.
🐍 Boa Constrictor
- Average lifespan in captivity: 25–35 years
- Why they stand out: They’re one of the longest-lived pet snakes, and they grow quite large (up to 10–13 feet).
- Who should keep them: Not ideal for beginners due to size and space needs, but experienced owners love them.
🐍 Garter Snake
- Average lifespan in captivity: 6–10 years
- Why people choose them: They’re small, easy to feed (they can eat fish, worms, or small rodents), and don’t require massive enclosures.
- Downside: Their lifespan is much shorter compared to other common pet snakes.
Longest-Living Pet Snakes
So, what are the champions of snake longevity? If you’re looking for a snake that could practically be a lifelong companion, here are your best bets:
- Ball Python – Often lives 30+ years.
- Boa Constrictor – Averages 25–35 years.
- Burmese Python – Can live 25–40 years in captivity.
Owning one of these species is like making a long-term commitment, almost like raising a child into adulthood and beyond.
Should You Get a Snake Based on Lifespan?
This is a very important question. A lot of new owners don’t realize that getting a snake can be a decades-long responsibility.
Imagine this:
- If you buy a corn snake at age 25, it might still be with you when you’re in your 40s.
- If you get a ball python, it could still be alive when you’re in your 50s or 60s.
That’s a serious commitment. If you’re someone who moves often, isn’t sure about future housing, or doesn’t want a long-term pet, you might prefer a shorter-lived species like a garter snake.
But if you love the idea of a companion that sticks with you for decades, a ball python or boa might be perfect.
How to Help Your Snake Live Longer
Here’s the good news: while genetics and species set the baseline, you play the biggest role in how long your pet snake lives.
Practical Tips for a Long-Lived Snake:
- Set up the right enclosure – Proper heat, humidity, lighting, and hiding spots.
- Feed correctly – Right prey size, not too often, not too little.
- Handle with care – Don’t stress them out; learn how often your species tolerates handling.
- Keep things clean – Spot-clean regularly and deep clean the enclosure monthly.
- Visit a reptile vet – At least once a year or if you notice unusual behavior (refusing food, wheezing, lethargy).
- Research your species thoroughly – Each snake is unique, and care requirements vary.
FAQs About Snake Lifespans
Q1: How long do pet snakes usually live?
Pet snakes generally live 10 to 30 years, depending on the species. Smaller snakes live around 10 years, while larger species like ball pythons or boas may live over 30 years.
Q2: Do snakes live longer in captivity or in the wild?
Snakes live much longer in captivity because they don’t face predators, food shortages, or harsh weather. For example, a corn snake may live 6–8 years in the wild but 15–20 years as a pet.
Q3: What snake has the longest lifespan as a pet?
Ball pythons and boa constrictors are among the longest-living pet snakes, often reaching 30–40 years with proper care.
Q4: How can I help my pet snake live longer?
Provide a proper enclosure (heat, humidity, and hiding spots), feed appropriately, keep the habitat clean, and schedule vet visits. Stress-free care adds years to their life.
Q5: Is owning a snake a lifelong commitment?
Yes. Some snakes, like boas or ball pythons, can live for decades. If you get one in your 20s, it may still be alive when you’re in your 50s or 60s.
Q6: Which snake is best for beginners considering lifespan?
Corn snakes are ideal for beginners. They’re hardy, easy to care for, and live around 15–20 years, which is long but not overwhelming like a 40-year python commitment.
Final Thoughts: How Long Do Pet Snakes Live?
So, how long do snakes live? The answer really depends on the species, but the general rule is:
- In the wild: Most snakes live a relatively short life (5–15 years).
- As pets: With good care, snakes often live two to three times longer than they would in nature.
To sum it up:
- Small species like garter snakes might only give you around a decade of companionship.
- Medium species like corn snakes or king snakes can stay with you for 15–20 years.
- Large species like ball pythons or boas can become lifelong partners, living well into their 30s or even 40s.
If you’re thinking about getting a snake, it’s important to ask yourself: Am I ready for this kind of long-term responsibility?
Because here’s the truth: a snake isn’t a temporary pet. It’s a companion that can grow with you through major chapters of your life. And if you’re ready for that commitment, the reward is a fascinating, beautiful creature that can share your journey for decades.
Written by
Imtiaz Ivan
Chief Editor at Animal Ranger