So sorry for you and your family. I am not a snake person at all and have never really thought about how long they live. Is 15 years a long time for a snake to live?
(big hugs) to the Sidwell family! i'm so sorry for your loss! Homer was loved and is now, no doubt, happily slithering down Heaven's streets of gold toward an unlimited buffet of mice and lazy days in the sun.
In answer to your questions, Homer is a red rat snake, partially albino, contributing to his lovely colors. This type of snake can live to 20 years or so, perhaps longer, but usually shorter.
He was the subject of several photos over the years. These are my favorites:
It's a sad occasion here in the Sidwell home. My kids were crying when I told them, even though snakes don't usually engender warm cuddly emotions from people. We'll miss him, but already my two eldest daughters are planning on getting a new breeding pair of snakes, perhaps rosy boas. ...Yeah, our house is a zoo.
I am very sorry to hear about Homer. He really is a beautiful snake. We lost one of our guinea pigs this morning, so I definately sympathize.
Raja
A couple months ago Chico was killed by his brother Sukari (thanks to the DPC crew for naming them for me)
Chico and Sukari
Rest in piece Homer, and all lost pets. They will definately be missed. :(
