If you’ve owned corn snakes, you’ll know they’re a great snake species.
They’re essentially the “starter snake” for those looking to get into the reptile hobby, and they’re also known as one of the most docile species available in pet stores.
So you can imagine how confusing it can be if your normally-calm corn snake suddenly starts attacking its tank mates without provocation.
Corn snakes are a typically docile species.
Corn snakes are generally non-aggressive and only become aggressive if they feel threatened or scared (e.g., during handling).
While corn snakes have sharp teeth and fangs that can puncture the skin quickly, they are reluctant to bite unless provoked violently.
However, this is not a reason to be overly worried.
While it is common to hear of a corn snake attacking another, it’s not something that you should be overly worried about.
Corn snakes are a docile species in general and do not generally view each other as enemies or prey.
There is no pressure to rush them into separate enclosures unless there has been an attack, but separation should be done gradually and at their own pace.
While two snakes with very different temperaments are unlikely to get along if forced together, two corn snakes raised together from birth will often live peacefully for years as adults.
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Reasons why snakes attack each other:
- Sexual reasons
- Territorial reasons
- Food reasons
Sexual reasons
Male corn snakes are more likely to be aggressive than females, and this is because they’re defending their territory and food source, which are both extremely important for them as they prepare for mating season.
When a male sees another snake nearby, he’ll try to chase him off or fight with him if necessary.
If there’s only one female in the area, this can be especially dangerous because it’s easy for things to escalate quickly from there.
Female corn snakes tend not to fight with other females because their main goal is laying eggs and protecting them until they hatch (and raise them).
However, they will defend themselves if necessary since other females may want access.
Territorial reasons
Although this behavior is expected in many species, including humans (for example, how you might feel the need to “mark” your territory after moving into a new apartment), territoriality is more prevalent in certain animals than others.
For example, snakes are generally considered territorial animals, meaning they will defend their territory from other snakes and even humans.
In most cases, these situations end peacefully — but if one snake feels threatened by another’s presence or encroachment on its space, it might strike out in an attempt to drive it away.
Food reasons
Being hungry is the main reason why a corn snake will attack another.
Snakes are territorial and will defend their territory from other snakes because they don’t want to share it.
If your snakes aren’t getting enough food, they can become aggressive toward each other.
You have to ensure that you have enough food for all of them so that they don’t feel threatened by one another.
Conclusion
Corn snakes are generally docile, so when an outbreak of aggression occurs, it can be alarming for the owner.
However, this is not a reason to be overly worried, as there is no pressure to rush them into separate enclosures.
Understanding why and how this happens is essential and can help determine whether your snake needs to be separated.
