Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what snake would you say has the worst attitude. not a python or boa...something small(specifically...not just "a rat snake"

Why do you want to know?
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

Wild caught coral snake. (at least the ones i've had)

Are you serious? Every coral I have ever caught has never even attempted to bite. Since they don't sit well on hooks, (now don't go trying this) I pick up the tails and use my hook to keep the head away. They just sit there. I mean honeslty. I guess you have never had a nice little WC atrox that becomes highstrung the second you walk in the room. As well, all snakes are individuals so you can't really make too many statements regarding temperment. I have had ratsnakes that never bit and others that would try to take my hand off. But I feel it is ludicrous by any stretch to consider coral snakes to have the worst "attitudes" of native snakes so to speak. Andy
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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Burgundy baby, With your blue eyed soul, You play the hits and I'm on that roll, Capricorn sister, Freddie Mercury, Jupiter Child cry

I didn't even think about that, I have a CB atrox who I'd probably classify as my most defensive snake.
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

The snakes that I have come across that have the most attitude has definitely got to be the racers and coachwhips. Granted they are not small, but if you want attitude, try and pick up a juvy or an adult black or blue racer!! Those guys will bite from the time you pick them up, till you put them down!! I have caught a couple that were mellow, but mostly they are highstrung.

As far as the smaller snakes, I would say the water snakes. They are pretty defensive as well. They will bite alot quicker than say a rat or king.

Of the kingsnakes I have come across, I think the speckled kings are pretty quick to bite.

Of course Im talking wild caught and not C/B.

These are just my opinions.
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Good luck and Happy Herping
Brian

I knew a tame WC water snake once. Fun little guy to hold! I guess that just goes to show, you know?
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

Yeah there is always the exception to the rule. I havent came across that one yet with the water snakes!! LOL We used to catch them in a creek by my house in MO, and they used to be the bitingest little buggars!
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Good luck and Happy Herping
Brian

Some species of water snake such as clarkii are known for never biting. Mine doesn't bite nor musk. I have had a few waters of each species that didn't bite. Andy
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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Burgundy baby, With your blue eyed soul, You play the hits and I'm on that roll, Capricorn sister, Freddie Mercury, Jupiter Child cry

I caught a Texas Rat Snake recently, and it likes to bite me every chance it gets. If you look them up people say the way to tell if it's a texas rat snake is if it tries to rip your arm off. mine fakes a rattle and strikes alot. other i've seen will latch on when they bite. they're totally harmless as baby's... and only mildly harmful as adults.. but chances are they'll bite you.

Also a cotton mouth is always mean, they'll go after you. (not really small though)

I've found both texas rats and cottonmouths I probably could have freedhandled without being bitten. On the whole, most cottonmouths are more likely to try to get away from you than to sit around and act aggressive. I have however had some come after me (actually come at me with mouth open). Andy
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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Burgundy baby, With your blue eyed soul, You play the hits and I'm on that roll, Capricorn sister, Freddie Mercury, Jupiter Child cry