As New Year approaches in Russia, an unexpected trend has emerged: live snakes are becoming a symbolic gift to celebrate 2025, the year of the "Green Wooden Snake" in the Chinese zodiac. Interest in these reptiles has surged by 300%, turning exotic pets into a controversial, yet fascinating market phenomenon.
In Russian New Year traditions, snakes are often seen as mysterious creatures, rich in symbolism, associated with rebirth, longevity, and good fortune. In a country where superstitions intertwine with customs, gifting a snake is considered by some as a way to wish for prosperity and wisdom in the coming year.
Three snake species stand out for their perceived "manageability": corn snakes, California king snakes, and the more valuable royal pythons. Pet shops and sellers are experiencing a surge of buyers, with preference for young specimens, which seem to promise a "sweet beginning" between the owner and the reptile. However, this trend also raises concerns, dangers, and ethical debates, which worry experts and enthusiasts.
In Moscow and major cities, purchasing a snake has become easy. In specialized pet stores, royal pythons, the most expensive and desirable, start at 35,000 rubles (around 370 euros), while more affordable options like corn snakes start at 10,000 rubles (97 euros). On private advertisement sites like "Avito", prices can drop significantly, with snakes offered from 2,500 rubles (23 euros). However, "quality" varies here, and often the lowest prices hide specimens that are hard to manage or lack necessary veterinary certificates.
A reptile seller on Avito comments: "I have fewer than ten snakes left. Some customers want tame snakes, but others prefer the aggressive ones. I offer a royal python with basic care for 12,000 rubles (111 euros). But it’s important to have the right terrarium and equipment; I won’t sell them to inexperienced hands."
However, costs don’t end with just the animal. Experts emphasize that a suitable terrarium, with lighting, heating, and accessories, can cost around 60,000 rubles (556 euros). Many gift recipients may not be prepared for such expenses.
Despite their relative ease of care, snakes require careful handling. Terrariums must be safe and escape-proof, as even a small gap can lead to incidents. "Beginners often underestimate how easily a snake can slip out of a terrarium," explains Vladislav Starkov, herpetologist at the Institute of Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences. "An escaped snake can be dangerous not only to the animal but also to inexperienced people."
There’s also a health issue that cannot be ignored. Snakes can carry diseases like salmonella, and experts urge new owners to request official veterinary certificates before purchasing. "This is not just a gift-animal," concludes Starkov. "It’s a commitment that requires study, preparation, and, above all, awareness."
This trend has caused concern among veterinarians and ecologists, who fear an increase in abandoned animals and domestic incidents. Many new owners, once the initial enthusiasm wanes, find themselves overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for a reptile. In response, some associations and zoos have started offering consultations to educate potential buyers.
"People need to understand that a reptile is not a toy," explains an employee of a well-known reptile center. "We offer educational sessions for those who want to gift a snake, so they can evaluate whether they are ready for such a commitment."