Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Whenever I go to touch or pick up my snake it is really jumpy. I use paper towel as the bedding for the tank (for now) and even lifting that up makes him jumpy. This is unusual behavior for him. If I wiggle my finger about 4 inches from his head in the tank, his usual reaction would be to get bored and go elsewhere in the tank. Now he actually sits and watches it for a few minutes, then makes a hissing noise and lunges for my finger. I can't tell if he is actually trying to bite it or not, because it goes too fast.

A few weeks ago he was found after being lost for 2 months. Right after he was found and for about a week or 2 after that, he was still acting normally. He just suddenly started getting really aggressive for no apparent reason. Once I tried letting it lick my finger and it kind of calmed down, and didn't attack when I touched it, but Im kind of scared of trying that again. Has anyone ever had a problem like this? Any advice?

Note: Forgot to mention this, but when its looking at something it kind of coils up like it was about to attack. It also is really jerky with its head when following movements.

It's probably just bluffing. Their bites aren't that bad any way. Just handle him as you normally would.

I wouldn't worry. Sounds like he's growing up to me. Personalities change... but you know if you don't want him to strike at your finger... dont wiggle it above his face! just a thought.... lol.

Some change tempermants as they grow. Some don't. It's just going to depend on your specfic snake. The best thing I can reccomend is handle it calmly, don't make jerky movements yourself. also when you reach in to get him, just reach and grab, dont hesitate that'll just scare him more. Just handle him for about 5-10 minutes at a time, don't have a lot of activity around..try and keep it calm.

also, have you changed the location of the tank recently, to a place with a lot of activity? thats also probably spooking him out.
-----
Chondros and colubrids... my 2 favorite types of snakes!

"Life is hard. Life is harder if you're stupid." - John Wayne

sounds like 2 things to me.... growing up...(that was already mentioned) and also your snake has just enjoyed 2 months of freedom... probably needs some time to re-adjust to captivity. treet it like you would a wc for the first month or so...
-----
0.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1.0 Redtail "Kilo"
1.0 Ball Python "Road Hog"

Thanks alot for the help, guys. I tried just handing it like I would normally, and when I grabbed it it jumped but didn't hiss or bite. As for the calm-down after 2 months of freedom, I would think that if this didn't start a couple weeks after I found it. I guess it could just be growing up, its about 3 years old. While holding it it is constantly on the move, trying to get away. Not away from me, it just wants to move around. It's odd, but I guess I'll just wait it out. Thanks again for the help.