Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey Everyone, realtivly new to the board and just wanted to ask a question. My girlfriend got really into gophers some time ago and just got her dream snake. Its a san deigo applegate phase gohper snake that was very calm at the show we bought him from. We bring him home, get his tank all set up and put him in that day. He ate real well for us...four fuzzy's two hoppers. But now he won't let her any where near him. He's flaring up, putting on a great show and all..but has repeatedly snapped at us. We didn;t ask any questions about the snake but he is about a foot and half long and is pretty thin. Anyone have any thoughts how to calm this snake down? My girlfriend is visably upset about it.

~Mrez

I don't know how warm you keep your cage but trying cooling it off several degrees and see if it calms the snake any. High temps often equal easily agitated snakes. Another thing that is very common is that the snake will react wildly when first approached for handling but then after you hold it for a minute or two it settles down, it may bite..or may try to fool you into thinking you will get bit. You will have to give it some time to get used to handling and soon you will learn once in a while it may just not want to be held. If you can read your snake as mnay keepers feel we can simply leave it alone on those days. Hope this helps. Tom Stevens
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TomsSnakes.com

I've had some do the same thing. They were real calm when I first got them but suddenly become nasty and defensive. Make sure the snake has a hidebox or somewhere it can feel hidden. Also if she is scared of getting big wear gloves while picking the snake up. They rarely bite after being picked up unless you reach slowly for their head. Don't take your time picking it up either. Pits seem to be most frightened when you first walk up to them and reach down to pick them up. Sometimes the instinct to freak out when something is reaching towards them will never go away. Usually if you snatch them up quickly they don't have time to get all scared and defensive.

As Tom stated, your temps could a bit warm and this will easily agitate them. But it could be many things. Give the snake a hide of some sort and give it a few days. I like to give it a box of some sort that way I can just lift it and slide them onto my hand. This works well and lets you handle them easily. Once they calm down, you'll want another.

Scott Robinson

How long ago did you feed him? Perhaps he has a full belly, and is feeling totally vulnerable? Give him time--the advice given by others is good. I have one male albino sonoran who has never calmed down. The good news is that he is more huff & puff than bite & bleed. (lol)
Best of luck with him--
--althea

Just wanted to thank everyone for their help, I took off his heat lamp and just let him use the heat pad, gave him a day or two, put on some gloves and tried pulling him out. He came out with little problem..only snapped me once then calmed right down.

Thanks again,

~M