With intricate markings that form loops and curves along her body, including one shape that resembles a pretzel, she is as visually striking as she is calm. She joined the family three years ago after what was intended to be a simple fact-finding trip to the Reptile Emporium in Everett. Instead of just gathering information, they left with a new member of the family.

Lucy had been asking for a pet snake for two years. Her interest in reptiles began in fourth grade during a family trip to Utah, where a reptile presenter visited their hotel. That encounter sparked a lasting enthusiasm. Lucy read, asked questions, and patiently made her case for bringing a snake home. When she met Pretzel, who was about two and a half feet long at the time. The family often jokes that, “it was love at first hiss”. Since then, Pretzel has grown another six inches and settled comfortably into family life.

The ride home from Everett was slowed by heavy traffic, giving the family plenty of time to study their new pet and search for the right name. Her detailed markings inspired them. One distinctive shape looked unmistakably like a pretzel, and the name stuck before they reached home.

Pretzel’s daily rhythm reveals the subtle intrigue of snake behavior. She is most active at night. Around 8:30 pm she cautiously peeks out from her favorite hide, tongue flicking as she samples the air. Ten minutes later she often retreats, coiling tightly as if considering her next move. Around 10:30 pm she emerges again, gliding across branches and décor in her terrarium with deliberate, fluid motion. By 11:00 pm she returns to her hide and settles in. Observing this pattern offers a window into the instincts of a nocturnal reptile.

Handling time is one of Lucy’s favorite parts of the day. Watching Pretzel move is mesmerizing. The coordinated ripple of muscles beneath smooth scales demonstrates strength and precision. When Pretzel wraps gently around Lucy’s neck or explores over her shoulders and head, it is both a lesson in trust and a close-up look at reptile anatomy in motion.

Pretzel’s curiosity has also led to memorable moments. One evening in the living room, she slipped between couch cushions and wedged herself out of reach. Retrieving her required removing four of the six cushions before she was safely recovered. The incident highlighted both her determination and her surprising ability to navigate tight spaces.

Her terrarium reflects careful attention and enrichment. Climbing structures and hiding places are often rearranged to keep her environment engaging. During a family trip to Minnesota, they visited Snake Discovery and selected a large piece of driftwood for her enclosure. The driftwood was too large for a suitcase, so it traveled home as a carry-on item and fit into the overhead compartment of the plane.

Feeding day, which comes only once a month, is another fascinating process. Pretzel eats a frozen six-inch rat that is warmed before being offered. The rat is gently wiggled with chopsticks to capture her attention. Once she strikes and coils, it takes about half an hour for her to swallow her meal completely. One to two weeks later, she has her single monthly bowel movement. Compared to many pets, her annual feeding costs are modest, and her maintenance routine is simple.

Every two months, Pretzel sheds her skin. When the shed comes off in large pieces, it reveals the fresh, glossy scales beneath. If small sections remain, a warm shallow bath helps loosen the rest. There is no brushing, trimming, or grooming required.

Pretzel has enriched her family’s home in unexpected ways. She has deepened Lucy’s commitment to learning and responsibility while offering daily opportunities to observe a remarkable animal up close. Through her quiet routines and subtle behaviors, Pretzel continues to turn ordinary evenings into moments of discovery.