I've had several Kings, of at least 4 species, and have not personally seen this behavior. I've seen it in Cal King hatchlings I was examining for purchase, however.



I've not experienced "changed" behavior in terms of aggression. I have experienced the dilemma of my snake suddenly refusing to feed on a certain color of mouse, however. They can even switch the "offending" color later and begin feeding on it, refusing another color instead!



Generally - animals respond aggressively when they feel threatened or insecure. Maybe something is different that has been overlooked. Using any new lotions or creams which may offend the snake?



I've found that enough gentle handling by an experienced person calms almost all animals. I've had a 6-foot Texas Rat Snake that I could carry around comfortably.



However - some animals are not suited for handling and never tame. Just like some people never stop being mean or nasty. (They don't necessarily need to have a prior "bad incident", sometimes it's just their nature.)



If all the logical steps have been taken and your snake continues to strike, hold on and chew when you've clearly shown that it's not feeding time, it's best to replace it with another snake.



Also, you may have much better luck with the same species, just a different gender or specimen. Most herpers have found from long years of experience that the *INDIVIDUAL* matters much more than the species. (There are amiable Tex Rats, and Corn Snakes from hell. I've known people who have them.)



Ameron



1.0 Lampropeltis getula californiae (Carlsbad Wide-banded morph)

0.1 Lampropeltis getula californiae (Los Angeles County Coastal Banded morph)



www.flickr.com/photos/ameron08/

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