Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently purchased a Mexican Black Kingsnake. Everything has been going fine, had her for about a week. I got back from a four day camping trip tonight and held her for about 10 minutes and then unpacked. When I opened the cage about an hour later she was extremely agressive. Her tailed rattled and she struck several times at the glass. When I picked her up she musked. She is only about a foot long but why the sudden change in temperament? Could it be because shes hungry? Any help is better than none.

Thanks,
Justin

It is very common for young getula to act like that either most of the time or even only sometimes. Reasons can vary. It doesn't mean anything is wrong necessarily. When you have a kingsnake, expect it. When it is an adult, it will likely lose that behavior.
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Mark

Thanks. I knew they could be nippy but I didn't know that their mood changes that fast. Thanks for the help.