As for temps, different animals have different preferences. I would say that 72 is too cold for the ambient temp. Possibly a low wattage heat lamp could warm up the tank. The hot side (and under tank heat is fine, and preferred by most) should be 85-90. Be careful when you measure temp here not to just stick a thermometer sticker on the side as the actual belly heat the animal gets will be higher than that. I just have a loose thermometer sitting on the floor (which gets messed around with a lot, so I'm getting an IR thermometer).



As for the disposition, it sounds as if your guy is just a big scaredy cat. This is not abnormal for bps. My girl is that way too, she even strikes defensively (usually at air, it's different than going in for the kill). Just regular handleing will tame her. Your's is older and I don't have experience with older snakes being that way but if you try to handle him and get him used to you, he may calm down. It may take longer. If you are afraid, use a towel to pick him up, reaching into a snake cage puts you at a strategic disadvantage. A towel over the head will give you time to get into control.
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1.1 BPs (Syd and Nancy)

0.0.2 Firebellied Toads (Stanley and Stuart)

0.2 French Lops (Jacquotte and Lapine)

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