Snakes are some of the most fascinating looking creatures on our planet, and their looks span 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 world. Pink snakes vary in hue, some are bright pink all over, while others have pink or pink tinges on parts of their bodies. We have compiled a list of all the pink snakes you may see in the wild and in captivity.
There are several pink snakes found in nature. But some of the more famous ones have been bred to get pinker over the generations as pets. We cover both types and explain the difference between naturally occurring pinks and breeding choices. Read on to learn about all the different pink snake species!
pink species that occurs in nature
Corn snake
The corn snake is a variety of rat snakes found mainly in the southeastern part of the United States. Many people mistake corn snakes for similar-looking copperheads, which are venomous. 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 streaks. Often this red has pinkish undertones. Sometimes these wild snakes are bright pink and as pets they have been bred with a pinker coloration.
Western whip
The Western Coachwhip is sometimes known as the whip snake. It is found throughout Mexico and the southern United States. There are many subspecies of whip snakes in various colors. The most famous of them are green and yellow. However, Western Coachwhips are specifically pink.
All whip snakes change 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 for camouflage.
Western thread snake
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 look like giant earthworms and only grow to about a foot tall. They range in color from brown to purple but are most commonly a pearly pink. They usually have more vibrant coloration on the head and tail, with silver in the centre.
North Pacific rattlesnake
North Pacific rattlesnakes are highly venomous pit vipers found in western North America. They are one of the most dangerous snakes in the United States and are not kept as pets.
Like some of the other snakes on this list, they change color depending on the color of the ground they crawl on. If you find one in the northern US, it may be brown or green. However, those from 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 dig into 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 pointed tails have been spotted. These are often peach in color with orange flecks. You can spot these creatures under rocks or tall grass. If they’re outdoors, they might curl up into a small ball to hide from predators.
Pink buoy
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 of the other snakes on this list, the Rosy Boa gets its color from its red and pink surroundings.
Rosy Boas are popular pets due to their vibrant pink color and easy temper. These wild snakes thrive in captivity due to their quiet nature and the small prey they eat.
Cay Boas strip
The Crawl Cay Boa is a particular snake that in the wild is found only on “Crawl Cray”, a small island off the coast of Belize. Unlike most of the more enormous Central American boas, Crawl Crays only grow to about five feet and remain small for life.
These snakes used to be harvested from the island due to their size, but this became illegal when the island became part of a nature reserve. While these snakes are generally grayish, pink ones have been spotted all over the island.
Eyelash viper
The eyelash viper is a small venomous snake found in Central and South America. These charming snakes live in trees and can swing from branch to branch to prey on small birds and other animals. They take their name from camouflage scales above their eyes that look like eyelashes.
These snakes are famous for coming in a variety of bright colors. They are usually shades of bright yellow, teal, and green. There are also many pink ones, usually completely magenta or coral in color.
Southeastern Crown Serpent
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 look like a worm which makes it quite unique.
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 during the day and during the warmer months. They inhibit woodland habitats most and can be found by burrowing in sandy or loose earth.
Western hognose
Western Hognose snakes are one of the most common skates in the United States both in the wild and as pets. They get their name from the pointed tip on the nose which makes the face look like a pig.
Unlike 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 are popular pets, some breeders have been breeding coral and pink snakes for years.
Rattlesnake of Aruba
The Aruba rattlesnake is a venomous viper found only on the island of Aruba in the Caribbean. They are smaller than most other rattlesnake species, but can still grow up to 90 centimeters.
Aruba rattlesnakes are mostly brown, but often have patterns that include apricot and pink coloration. Those found in the desert climate of southern Aruba are more likely to have a vibrant pink coloration. Like many other snakes, these color variations reflect the 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 which benefits these snakes, who are attracted to the humidity.
Like other blind snakes, the West Kimberly is small and resembles a giant earthworm. Its color ranges from brown to pink, but is usually a pale pink, purple color. These snakes are usually found curled up 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 wide variety of colors. They are popular pets because they are one of the larger snake species that thrive in captivity and are friendly to humans.
Due to their popularity, specific breeders have created various “morphs,” or generations of colors, 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, the more expensive and rare the snake will be.
Florida crowned snake
As the name suggests, Florida Crowned Snakes are found throughout the state of Florida. They are small and vibrantly colored and non-venomous. This is as rare as most brightly colored amphibians and reptiles are poisonous.
These snakes can grow to about 22 centimeters and are very thin. They are usually red or pink and often have brown or black rings around their heads. Their bellies are solid pink or white. They are commonly found in deep, underground burrows.
Worm snakes
Worm snakes are small bicolor snakes found in the United States and southern Canada. They are distinguished by the defined line between the black back and the pink belly.
Spotting these beauties is rare because they spend most of their time sheltered under leaves and rocks. They live in wooded areas and are very careful to stay hidden.
Pink rattlesnake
Pink rattlesnakes are just one of the more general colorations Species of rattlesnake found in north-central Mexico and southwestern United States. They are sometimes referred to as the green rattlesnake or blue rattlesnake depending on their coloration and where they live.
The pink variety of this rattlesnake is found specifically in the Davis Mountain region of southwest Texas. They are pink or purple and often have faded black patterns down their backs.
Learn more about how pigments change the coloration of snakes
Bottom Line: Are Pink Snakes Real?
Yes, pink snakes are real! Due to their varying degrees of rarity, it may be difficult to find a pink snake in the wild. If you’re lucky or unlucky, depending on your point of view, you might be able to spot one in your backyard, on a road trip, or in a zoo.
