Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My new blizzard corn is sooo cool!! We are enjoying his arrival in our happy little family! However, last night, he exhibited some strange behavior.... he was in his favorite location, loosely around my neck just relaxing, my hubby gently started to stroke him on his body... the snake rattled, and then struck at, my hubby, the whole time constricting around me. It wasn't tight but was very noticable! Hubby then tried again and the same thing happened (without the strike). It completely freaked me out! Not a few moments later, the snake relaxed completely and settled nicely.

So, I have two questions I guess... What in the world happened? And... are snakes protective?? It almost seemed like that what he was doing for me, in an odd sort of way.

Any input will be appreciated.... we want to do whats best for him and not cause him any more agitation.

Thanks!
-----
Becki, loved by:

1 pet hubby
1 fur-angel, Great Dane, Lucky
1 lab/great pyr. mix, Bandit
1 grey banded king, Nitro (aka The Pig!)
1 snow corn, Nessy
1 blizzard corn, no name yet!

Hmmmm. I'm doubtful that the little snake brain is protective of it's branch. More likely is that he felt threatened by your husband's hand fast approaching his body. There is some question about whether or not they even recognize us as anything but a moving branch on which to climb. As far as him constricting around your neck. He was just tensing his body for defense position. I have a female blizzard yearling. She is probably the most beautiful and delicate appearing snake in my collection. She appears to be made from a fine porceline and actually takes my breath away sometimes. She is not small in size but so feminine in appearance because of her refined beauty. Definitely beautiful morphs and great addition to any collection.

I agree with Passport. This is a normal case of a little snake taking care of itself. It's not strange behaviour and it's nothing to be concerned about.

I'm glad that you're enjoying your blizzard and I don't mean to be critical or "rain on your parade" but please recognize that this is a snake, not a puppy dog. Reptiles don't have the brain power of mammals (I've always said that feeding a rodent to a snake is like feeding Einstein to the village idiot). IMHO, snakes do have individual traits and personalities but some herpers would question the degree to which a snake physically recognizes its owner (i.e. by sight or smell), let alone intellectually recognize them.

Snakes and their behaviours are really interesting, and they do think differently than us. I enjoy continuing to learn about them and, as I learn more, my appreciation and enjoyment of them increases. I wish the same for you. It's fun!