For those who shop at Petland, the company announced March 16 that it will no longer offer constricting snakes for sale larger than a ball python
For those who shop at Petland, the company announced March 16 that it will no longer offer constricting snakes for sale larger than a ball python. The company said that while certain large constricting snakes can make great pets, some require more specific and challenging long term care requirements which the company said is “beyond Petland’s current business model.” The bread and butter species will continue to be offered, including ball pythons (Python regius), corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus), milk snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum), and king snakes (Lampropeltis sp).
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“We certainly understand and appreciate those that are able to provide the level of care that larger snakes require," Petland’s Director of Animal Welfare Brian Winslow said in a statement. “But in order to fulfill our mission, Petland will only be offering non-venomous species of snakes that do not exceed the adult size of the above-listed species.”
A quick Google search noted that some Petland stores offered up such varying species as Boa constrictors (Boa constrictor) and anacondas (Eunectes sp.), which are definitely not the niche market that it tries to woo. You can also purchase snakes such as those listed above from your local reputable breeder, or acquire one from your local reptile rescue, which you can find a list of here.
John B. Virata keeps a western hognose snake, a ball python, two corn snakes, a king snake, and two leopard geckos. His first snake, a California kingsnake, was purchased at the Pet Place in Westminster, CA for $5. His first pet reptile was a green anole that arrived in a small box via mail order. Follow him on Twitter @johnvirata
