Snakes are some of the most fascinating-looking creatures on our planet, and their look spans the color wheel. You may think of greens and blues when you picture vibrant snakes but are there pink snakes?
Turns out, yes! Pink snakes are real, and there are many species around the globe. Pink snakes vary in hue, some are bright pink all over, while others have pink undertones or pink on parts of their bodies. We have compiled a list of all the pink snakes you might see in the wild and captivity.
There are several naturally occurring pink snakes. But some of the most well-known have been bred to become pinker throughout generations as pets. We cover both kinds and explain the difference between naturally occurring pinks and breeding choices. Read on to learn about all the different pink snake species!
Learn more
- Are Blue Snakes Real?
- What Are The World’s Most Beautiful Snakes?
- Can Snakes See Colors?
Corn Snake
The corn snake is a variety of rat snakes found primarily in the Southeastern part of the United States. Many people mistake corn snakes for similar-looking copperheads, which are poisonous. However, corn snakes are completely harmless to humans as they kill by constriction rather than venom.
Corn snakes are small and brightly colored. They are often a vibrant reddish color with orange stripes. Often, this red has pinkish hues. Sometimes these wild snakes are bright pink and as pets, they have been bred with more pink coloring.
Western Coachwhip
The Western Coachwhip is sometimes known as the whip snake. It is found all over Mexico and the Southern United States. There are many sub-species of whip snakes in various colors. The most famous of these are green and yellow. However, Western Coachwhips are specifically pink.
All whip snakes change their color based on their environment as a type of camouflage. Western Coachwhips are often found in the red rock-strewn deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, turning pink to blend in.
Western Threadsnake
The Western Threadsnake, often known as the Western Blind Snake, is a small, worm-like snake found in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Spotting one of these snakes is rare as they live in underground burrows where they feed on termites.
These snakes resemble giant earthworms and only grow to about 30 centimeters. They vary in color from brown to purple but are most commonly a pearly pink. They usually have more vibrant coloring on their heads and tails, with silver in the middle.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes are highly venomous pit vipers found in western North America. They are one of the more dangerous snakes in the United States and are not kept as pets.
Like some other snakes on this list, they change in color depending on what color ground they slither on. If you come across one in the northern United States it might be brown or green. However, those in Arizona and New Mexico have a distinctive pink hue.
Sharp-tailed Snake
cs are small snakes endemic to the Western United States and British Columbia. They are commonly found in gardens because they burrow in soft soil. Sharptails are shy creatures that pose no threat to humans.
These snakes vary widely in color and are usually brown or brown-green. However, pink sharp-tails have been spotted. These are often peachy in color with orange splotches. You can spot these creatures under rocks or tall grass. If they are out in the open, they might curl into a small ball to hide from predators.
Rosy Boa
Rosy Boas are small snakes native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico. The Rosy Boa is sometimes known as the Desert Boa because it mostly lives in desert climates. Like some other snakes on this list, the Rosy Boa gets its color from its red and pink surroundings.
Rosy Boas are popular pets because of their vibrant pink color and easy temperament. These wild snakes thrive in captivity because of their quiet nature and the small prey they eat.
- Best Rosy Boa Breeders In The USA
Crawl Cay Boas
The Crawl Cay Boa is a particular snake that in nature is found only on “Crawl Cray”, a small island off the coast of Belize. Unlike most more enormous Central American boas, Crawl Crays only grow to about five feet and remain small throughout their lives.
These snakes used to be collected from the island for their size, but that became illegal when the island became part of a natural reserve. While these snakes are usually grayish, pink ones have been spotted all over the island.
Eyelash Viper
The Eyelash Viper is a small, venomous pit snake found in Central and South America. These fascinating snakes live in trees and can swing from branch to branch to catch small birds and other animals. They get their name from the camouflaging scales above their eyes that resemble eyelashes.
These snakes are famous for coming in a variety of vibrant colors. They are usually shades of bright yellow, teal, and green. There are also many pink ones, usually fully magenta or coral-colored.
Southeastern Crown Snake
The Southeastern Crown Snake is a small species of snake found in the Southeastern United States. It is one of the skinniest snakes in the United States that does not resemble a worm, making it quite unique-looking.
These snakes are usually gray or brown on their backs, with bellies ranging from whitish pink to bright pink. Unlike many snakes, they are most active in the daytime and during warmer months. They most inhibit woodland habitats and can be found burrowing in sandy or loose dirt.
Western Hognose
Western Hognose snakes are one of the most common skates in the United States both in the wild and as pets. They are named for the pointed tip on their nose that makes their face resemble a pig.
Unlike some other species on this list, pink Hognoses are not found in the wild. They are usually sandy-colored with brown, red, or orange markings. However, because they make popular pets some breeders have been creating coral and pink snakes for years.
Aruba Rattlesnake
The Aruba Rattlesnake is a venomous pit viper found only on the Island of Aruba in the Caribbean. They are smaller than most other rattlesnake species but can still grow to 90 centimeters.
Aruba Rattlesnakes are mostly brown, but often have patterns that include apricot and pink coloring. The ones found in the desert climate of Southern Aruba are more likely to have vibrant pink coloring. Like many other snakes, these color variations reflect their surrounding habitat to help with camouflage.
West Kimberly Blind Snake
The West Kimberly Blind Snake is a relative of the Western Threadsnake discussed above. This variety is found in the Kimberly region of Australia and the Storr Islands. The area is known for its tropical monsoon climate that benefits these snakes, which are attracted to moisture.
Like other blind snakes, the West Kimberly is small and resembles a giant earthworm. Its coloring ranges from brown to pink but is usually a pale, purple-pink color. These snakes are generally found curled under sandstone rocks near the coast of the Indian Ocean.
Ball Pythons
Ball Pythons are one of the most popular pet snakes in the United States and are therefore bred in a large variety of colors. They are popular pets because they are one of the largest snake species that thrive in captivity and are friendly with humans.
Because of their popularity, specific breeders have created various “morphs”, or color generations for their snakes. Some of the pink morphs include the coral glow morph, the fire ivory morph, and the mystic potion morph. The more vibrant the morph is, the more expensive and rare the snake will be.
Florida Crowned Snake
As their name suggests, Florida Crowned Snakes are found all across the state of Florida. They are small and vibrant in color and non-venomous. This is rare as most brightly colored amphibians and reptiles are poisonous.
These snakes can grow to about 22 centimeters and are very slender. They are usually red or pink and often have brown or black rings around their heads. Their bellies are a solid pink or white. They are commonly found in deep, underground burrows.
Worm Snakes
Worm Snakes are small bi-colored snakes found throughout the United States and Southern Canada. They are noticeable because of the defined line between their black backs and pink bellies.
Spotting these beauties is rare because they spend most of their time sheltered under leaves and rocks. They live in woodland areas and take great care to stay hidden.
Pink Rattlesnake
Pink Rattlesnakes are just one coloring of the more general Rattlesnake species found in North-Central Mexico and the Southwestern United States. They are sometimes referred to as the Green Rattlesnake or the Blue Rattlesnake depending on their coloring and where they live.
The pink variety of this rattlesnake is specifically found in the Davis Mountain region of Southwest Texas. They are pink or purple and often have faded black patterns along their backs.
Learn more about how pigments change the coloring of snakes
In Summary – Are Pink Snakes Real?
Yes, pink snakes are real! Due to their varying degrees of rarity, it may be tricky to find a pink snake in the wild. If you’re fortunate – or unfortunate, depending on your point of view – you may be able to spot one in your backyard, on a trip, or in a zoo.
