This Rare Pumpkin Snake Is Ready For Halloween

As fall approaches, pumpkin-themed everything takes over, but have you ever heard of the “pumpkin snake”? These rare piebald ball pythons boast unique orange and white markings that resemble jack-o’-lanterns carved right into their skin.

Achieving these distinctive “pumpkin” patterns takes years of selective breeding, making these snakes highly sought after by reptile enthusiasts. Piebald animals have irregular, pigmented spots surrounded by unpigmented—often white—areas, a trait found in many species like horses, cattle, and dogs. The condition responsible for these striking looks is a form of leucism, which also gives rise to pale tigers and white giraffes.

Pumpkin Snake

Photo via Reddit

Breeding a pumpkin snake is a challenge, as the piebald pattern of the parents does not guarantee identical offspring. For example, a mother that is 90% piebald may produce young with varying degrees of the desired pumpkin-like pattern.

This unpredictability means breeders often spend years perfecting the coloration. Though ball pythons are often considered beginner-friendly, owning one—especially a pumpkin snake—requires commitment. These non-venomous constrictors can live for 25 to 30 years and grow up to 4.5 feet long.

Maintaining their habitat involves strict temperature and humidity control, along with feeding them fresh or frozen mice once a week. While they are known for their docile nature, over-handling can cause unnecessary stress.

You can read more about these amazing creatures here!