Reptile · Colubrid
Black pine snake care guide
Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi
The black pine snake is a intermediate-level colubrid from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana. Adults reach 120–170 cm and live 15–25 years in captivity. Burrows actively; offer deep substrate. Solitary.
- Enclosure 180 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a black pine snake cost in Canada?
Black pine snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 120–170 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–25 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
- Minimum enclosure
- 180 × 60 × 60 cm (71 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 171 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Black pine snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 180 × 60 × 60 cm (71 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a black pine snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Bluffs loudly but usually settles down.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and obesity.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a black pine snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (180 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Black pine snake FAQ
Is the black pine snake good for beginners?
The black pine snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Bluffs loudly but usually settles down.
What size enclosure does a black pine snake need?
At least 180 × 60 × 60 cm (about 71 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 171 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a black pine snake cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $1250–2190 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a black pine snake need?
Temperature: Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a black pine snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 10–14 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.