Key Points
- An estimated one per cent of Australian households keep snakes.
- Owners describe snakes as 'the least troublesome pets' but they require proper care.
- Lunar New Year 2025 welcomes the Year of the Snake.
Jungle is a six-year-old female jungle carpet python who loves to slowly slither and entwine around owner Christine Yang's neck and arms.
"Maybe I've been feeding her too much," Yang said. "Jungle feels soft but is full of energy and strength. She's already grown twice as long as when I first got (her)."
Her scales are shimmering black with hints of colour.Christine Yang
Yang has had pet snakes for around four years.
"I started to take care of the snake for my partner who (loves reptiles) and I (have) completely fallen in love with Jungle now," she said.
Yang said most pet snakes were non-venomous pythons. "They’re bred in captivity and are not aggressive," she said.
Madera Liu, a committee member of the Australian Herpetological Society, has about 70 snakes in his Sydney home. Credit: SBS
"They’re fascinating — the way they glide and silently approach their prey ... every movement captivates me," Liu said.
Snakes are the least troublesome pets.Madera Liu
According to Animal Medicines Australia, about one per cent of Australian households keep snakes.
Reptile exhibitor Christian Parsa told SBS Chinese that the most popular pet snakes were the children's python and carpet python.
Australia's longest snake, the jungle carpet python, can reach six metres and live 20 to 30 years with proper care. Owners need a licence to keep snakes, as per state laws.
Yang said while she didn't interact with Jungle every day, she checked on her daily.
"I only feed her every two to three weeks in summer and every one to two months in winter," she said.
Each shed marks a growth stage for the snake
One of the most unique interactions between owners and their snakes is witnessing their shedding.
Yang said young snakes shed every month or two, while adults shed two to three times a year.
Pet python Jungle Credit: SBS
Yang said Jungle probably viewed her as a "familiar presence" or "safe object".
"Maybe it’s my scent that makes her feel safe in my hands. I regularly handle her, and she stays gentle. But if left her in the tank for long, I worry she might feel scared," she said.
As snakes age, they tend to become more "calm and composed", regardless of whether they recognise their keepers.
Liu said: "Young snakes are naturally more aggressive. Fresh out of their eggs, they see everything as a potential threat."
Snakes are natural predators
Christine said she had noticed Jungle sometimes staring at the family’s cats and dogs.
"She picks up heat sources. When a dog walks by, she sees a warm, moving object and just stares. Sometimes I worry she might see the dog as food," Yang said.
Christian Parsa and his python, Fluffy, send their New Year greetings. Credit: Supplied
"If your budgie decides to get too close to your snake, it might be right the first time, but it's really not worth the risk," he said.
"Also the other way around, when you've got a dog who's really excited, happy and loves to play, it might see a little snake as a chew toy."
