How Long Do Snakes Live? Depends on Species and Habitat

In the wild, how long a snake lives depends largely on its species, habitat and the dangers it faces. The corn snake, for example, has an average lifespan of around 6 to 8 years in the wild, while garter snakes might live around two to four years (although sometimes they may live up to 10 years) due to predators and other environmental challenges.

Venomous snakes, like rattlesnakes or copperheads, tend to live longer, as their venom gives them a bit of an edge in survival. Some can live up to 10 and even 20 years in the wild.

Wild snakes face constant threats from predators, weather changes and limited food sources. Baby snakes are especially vulnerable; many don't make it to adulthood because they're easy prey for birds, larger reptiles and mammals.

On top of that, many snakes in the wild face habitat loss due to human development, which can further shorten a snake's lifespan.

Pet snakes live in controlled environments, where they don’t have to worry about predators, food shortages or extreme weather. Corn snakes and rat snakes, two popular pet species, can live over 20 years and 30 years, respectively, in captivity with proper care.

Pet ball pythons are another long-lived species, often reaching 20 to 30 years in captivity. A ball python in the Saint Louis Zoo was documented laying eggs at the ripe old age of 62. Previous to that, the oldest snake ever recorded was a ball python that lived to be over 47 years old.

Boa constrictors are another species that thrive in captivity. With the right habitat and diet, boa constrictors can live for 25 to 30 years or more. The key to a long snake lifespan in captivity is providing a healthy diet, the right temperature and plenty of space to move around.

There are a number of factors that can affect a snake's expectancy, both in the wild and in captivity. One of the most important factors is the snake's habitat. Snakes living in stable, resource-rich environments tend to live longer, while those in harsh conditions with fewer resources might have shorter lives.

For example, a ball python kept in a proper habitat with the right temperature and humidity will live much longer than one kept in less-than-ideal conditions.

Snake species also play a major role in determining lifespan. Smaller, fast-breeding species, like garter snakes, tend to have shorter lifespans, while larger, slower-reproducing species like boa constrictors and reticulated pythons can live for decades.

Snakes that lay eggs may also have slightly different lifespans than those that give birth to live young, though the difference is often species-specific.

Diet is another critical factor to snake life expectancy. In the wild, snakes have to hunt for their food, and those that eat regularly and have access to high-quality prey like rodents or birds will likely live longer.

Pet snakes, on the other hand, need to be fed properly in captivity. Overfeeding or underfeeding can shorten a pet snake’s lifespan.

In addition, the way snakes are cared for in captivity plays a big role in how long they live. Pet snakes need specific temperature ranges, humidity levels and hiding places to mimic their natural habitat. That means that having the right conditions in your snake's enclosure is essential, as it will help your pet maintain his optimal body temperature.

Stress from improper care can shorten a snake's lifespan significantly. Proper care is essential if you want your pet snake to live a long, healthy life.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.