I've noticed that as wild snakes are kept in captivity their colors slowly brighten. I know this change can be attributed to getting cleaner but the change seems too gradual and drastic for the cause to be just dirt. I generally, bathe my new wild-caught snakes a couple times when I get them.

Has anyone else noticed this before and is there another possible cause, besides dirt? I've considered exposure to UV rays and better nutrition...but I'm really clueless.

Thank you!