There are several potential reasons why a pet snake may strike at its owner. Snakes are instinctual creatures and their reactions often come down to them simply feeling threatened or acting defensively. While startling, a snake strike does not necessarily mean your snake is aggressive or unhappy. By understanding common causes for striking, an owner can take steps to avoid triggering this behavior.
The Snake May Have Been Startled
One of the most common reasons for a pet snake strike is that the snake was startled by being approached or handled suddenly. Snakes rely heavily on their senses to be aware of their environment and potential threats. If you approach the enclosure quickly and reach in to pick up a snake, the movement and vibrations may startle them. This instinctive reaction is to brace themselves and strike out defensively. Even if your snake is normally docile, surprising them can provoke them to strike.
To avoid startling your snake:
– Announce your presence before approaching the enclosure by talking calmly and gently tapping the enclosure.
– Move slowly and avoid sudden movements when handling your snake. Be calm and gentle in your actions.
– If possible, scoop up the snake from underneath rather than reaching down from above. An overhead grab can seem threatening.
Mistaken Identity
Snakes have poor eyesight and rely on sensing vibrations and smell to identify threats. Sometimes if your movements or scent are unfamiliar, a snake may not recognize you as its owner and caretaker. Your snake may mistakenly view you as a potential predator when you reach into the enclosure. This can cause them to react defensively by striking out at the perceived threat. Their poor vision combined with a reliance on sensing vibrations and smells means they may strike first and investigate later to protect themselves.
You can avoid a case of mistaken identity by:
– Letting the snake get used to your presence and scent before handling them. Place a worn t-shirt in with your new snake for a day or two so they recognize your scent.
– Move slowly, calmly, and confidently when approaching and handling your snake. Sudden, jerky movements may set them on edge.
– Wait until after feeding to handle a snake. A snake is more likely to strike if they think you are food.
Feeling Threatened
Snakes typically only strike when they feel threatened or endangered. Even if your snake knows you well, certain actions on your part may trigger a defensive reaction. Their nervous system codes specific stimuli as threats which provoke a strike response. Some things that can make a snake feel threatened during handling include:
– Reaching down quickly from above their head – This can mimic the shadow of an approaching predator.
– Grabbing tightly or restraining – Constricting pressure anywhere on their body can signal a predator has them.
– Loud noises – Sudden sounds or vibrations can signal danger and provoke a defensive strike.
– Touching sensitive areas – The head and throat are sensitive, so avoid contact here.
To prevent a snake from feeling threatened:
– Scoop up the snake gently from below their head rather than grabbing down from above.
– Handle the body and tail gently but securely. Avoid placing pressure around the neck area.
– Avoid making sudden loud noises during handling. Speak softly and move calmly.
– Touch the snake deliberately and smoothly rather than sudden grabs and pokes which may be seen as threatening.
Feeding Response
Snakes typically become more alert and defensive around feeding time as their predatory instincts kick in. Hungry snakes are more likely to view your hand as potential prey and strike out as a feeding response. Sometimes even a non-hungry snake may mistake a hand near their enclosure as an offered meal.
Ways to avoid your snake striking due to a feeding response:
– Do not attempt to handle your snake when they are in feeding mode – i.e. right before being fed or after consuming a meal.
– Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before handling your snake to remove any food scents.
– Use tongs or hooks to move your snake rather than your hands which may smell like prey.
– Make slow deliberate movements rather than sudden reach-ins to avoid startling a hungry snake.
Shedding
Snakes become more defensive and high-strung when they are in shed cycle. Their vision is impaired by the cloudy spectacles over their eyes as their skin begins to separate. They also become more sensitive to touch and handling during this time. As such, a snake is more likely to strike out defensively if approached or handled when in a shedding period.
To prevent shed-related strikes:
– Avoid handling your snake when they are in clear shed cycle – about 5-7 days before and after the shed.
– Provide a humid hide box prior to shedding so that the old skin detaches normally. Abnormal sheds can cause discomfort and stress.
– Use gentle scooping motions rather than grabs when removing a shedding snake from the enclosure.
Illness or Pain
An unwell snake in pain or discomfort may be more likely to strike out defensively if handled. Any condition which leaves a snake feeling vulnerable may cause them to be extra defensive to protect themselves. Possible health issues which can contribute to a higher strike tendency include:
– Shedding issues – Dry skin or retained eyecaps leading to discomfort.
– Mouth rot – Painful bacterial infection of the gums and mouth.
– Inclusion body disease – Can affect motor control and cause neurological symptoms.
– Respiratory infections – Discomfort breathing leading to irritability.
– Overheating – Snakes become stressed if enclosure is too warm.
– Mites – Itchy snake skin from mite infestation.
To identify possible illness/discomfort:
– Note any signs like wheezing, mouth swelling, abnormal shedding, wobbly motions etc.
– Have the snake examined by an experienced reptile veterinarian.
– Address any husbandry issues like incorrect temperatures or humidity.
– Treat any parasites, infections, or other conditions as recommended by the vet.
Stress
Stressed snakes are more likely to be defensive and prone to striking. Stress can be caused by many factors related to husbandry, handling, and the snake’s environment. Possible stressors include:
– Enclosure too small – Lack of ability to stretch out and feel secure.
– Messy enclosure – Can cause snake to feel unsafe and insecure.
– Improper temperatures – Being too hot or cold is stressful.
– Too much handling – Snakes need periods of undisturbed time.
– Presence of predators – Cats, loud dogs, etc. are stressful.
– Loud noise – Banging, loud music, children can stress snakes.
– Sudden change – Cleaning, moving, new handlers may be disruptive.
To reduce possible stressors:
– Provide an adequately sized enclosure with proper heating.
– Keep the enclosure clean and clutter free for security.
– Allow for undisturbed periods without handling.
– Keep the snake’s area quiet and peaceful when possible.
– Make husbandry changes gradually to allow the snake to adjust.
Irritability
Some individual snakes tend to be rather irritable and defensive in general. Each snake has its own personality. Some traits like feeding response, nervousness, and defensiveness can vary naturally between individuals. An irritable snake is simply more likely to view interactions as threatening and react with a strike.
Factors which can contribute to innate irritability:
– Breed tendencies – Some species and bloodlines tend to be feistier.
– Age – Younger snakes are often more nervous and defensive.
– Early life experiences – Trauma or neglect in early life can lead to lasting defensiveness.
– Gender – Males may become more irritable during breeding season.
– Hunger level – Very hungry snakes are more likely to strike.
– Individual personality – Some snakes are just feistier than others by nature.
To manage an irritable snake:
– Purchase calmer species/breeds recommended for beginners when possible.
– Ensure proper early life care – do not obtain wild caught snakes.
– Slow movements and infrequent handling to avoid provoking strikes.
– Separate enclosure when feeding easily threatened snakes.
– Consider using a snake hook to first transfer the snake out of enclosure.
Conclusion
While startling, a snake strike does not necessarily indicate an “aggressive” or dangerous snake. Most often strikes are the result of the snake feeling startled, threatened, or simply acting defensively out of their ingrained instincts. By understanding the common reasons a pet snake may strike, an owner can take steps to avoid triggering the behavior. Proper handling techniques, husbandry, and recognizing periods when a snake is more vulnerable or defensive can help prevent striking. With time and experience, owners can gain confidence handling snakes and read snake behaviors to better coexist with these fascinating reptiles.