I've had my common boa for a year or so. It was given to me because someone needed to get rid of it ASAP. I've very rarely handled it but feed it regularly.

The other day when I had the boa in a temporary container while cleaning it's cage I was just stroking it lightly because it has never seemed to enjoy ANY contact. I was petting it's tail and it jerked away quickly and I continued to lightly touch the tail and the weirdest thing happened. The 5 1/2 ft. snake gapped it's mouth open and made a very distinct, loud hissing sound.

This really freaked me out and I obviously stopped touching the snake. I've owned many reptiles over the years and I've never seen a snake exhibit this behavior, only monitors.

Has anyone else noticed their snake do this?

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