Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had Nikkito, my ball python, for close to 7 years now and today, when I took her out of her terrarium, she bit me! No strike, just, her head was by my arm, and then she latched on. I've backtracked and cannot come up with any viable reasons (e.g. feeding my other snakes today and have a scent, etc)... so, just wondering, is this something that just happens occasionally, with no provocation? I really am baffled... she's the most docile animal I've ever owned!

Thanks!

from the way you described it, it sounbds like she was just a little confused and thought your arm was a dead rat. Nothing to worry about.

>>from the way you described it, it sounbds like she was just a little confused and thought your arm was a dead rat. Nothing to worry about.

Agreed.

Most bites are simply a case of mistaken identification.

They do not see well, and if they sense heat or movement, the feeding instinct tends to kick in.

I have had them strike at my coffee cup before.

My snakes hardly ever kill me.
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GratefulFred

Maybe she's just telling you, "I'm HUNGRY!" haha...

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1.0 Spotted Python
1.0 IJ Carpet Python and 0.1 Jungle Carpet on loan (We have our fingers crossed!)
0.1 Ball Python
1.0 Variable Kingsnake

Thanks everyone! I figured it was a fluke. Sure left me with a mark!

>>Maybe she's just telling you, "I'm HUNGRY!" haha...

What's next after the snake in the picture finishes that mouse? The second mouse or the Jagermeister?

Actually, she prefers the cuervo on the other side of the cage

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1.0 Spotted Python
1.0 IJ Carpet Python and 0.1 Jungle Carpet on loan (We have our fingers crossed!)
0.1 Ball Python
1.0 Variable Kingsnake

LOL, keyword here is "She" They don't need a reason . Only ball python bite I ever got was from my female. Still don't know why, but I agree with the others. It's most likely a case of mistaken identity.

Quig