How to Avoid a Python Strike

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Part of the video series: Pet Snake Care: Ball Pythons

Summary: Learn how to avoid a python strike in this free video on caring for a pet snake.

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By Nicole Bragg
eHow Presenter

Nichole Bragg is the reptile expert at the Pet Kingdom in Cottonwood, Arizona. Call them at 928-639-4283.read more

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jay36 said

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on 8/2/2008 O.K. one more time. On behalf of Pet kingdom none of the scripts or videos were ever reviewed by the ownership. We are sorry for any misinformation that these videos contain. Nicole is no longer employed with this company. Once again sorry for any misinformation. Pet kindom.

ballpythonlover said

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on 8/2/2008 Some ball pythons just are more shy than others. To "think" she was dropped is the reason she's striking is funny! Ball pythons generally only bite and constrict when they've mistaken you for food. Making sure that you don't smell like prey is a good preventative measure for not being bitten. Defensive bites are generally hit and release.

wingedwolfpsion said

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on 8/2/2008 Ok, that's a bit silly--of COURSE they can bite you if they don't have striking range--they can and will just turn their head, open their mouth, and clamp on. This usually happens when someone is restraining a very unhappy and frightened snake.
The S-shaped posture with head held off the ground and alertness is a good warning sign that the snake MAY strike. In most cases, you will want to let the snake let go on its own. Grabbing it by the jaws runs risk of injuring its jaws, and yourself. An accidental feeding bite can sometimes be ended by very gently tapping the snake on the nose, but remaining motionless will work best. You should have explained how feeding bites occur--always wash your hands after handling rodents, before handling the snake. Watch the snake's behavior--if it is interested in food, your moving, warm hand may become a target--simple case of mistaken identity. They don't see well.

sugarmagnolia02 said

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on 8/2/2008 That snake should bite her for giving such horrible husbandry advice.

Video Transcript

"On behalf of Expert Village, I'm Nicole, and I'm here to tell you about ball pythons. This snake is one of the ball pythons I've come across that has struck. She has struck at people several times. I believe that when she was younger, she was dropped, which is pretty traumatic to a snake, especially if it's a far fall. It makes them lose their trust in you. Now one way to tell when a ball python is going to strike at you or any snake in this case, their neck will curve into an "s" shape. They have to have the distance to be able to bite you. So, if they have their neck curled up into an s shape, then they'll be able to strike out at you and they'll be able to hit what they're aiming for. If they don't have the room, they won't able to bite you. If you ever do happen to get bit by a ball python, it's generally going to be a warning strike, which means they will hit you but they will not sink their teeth into you. If you do get bit by a ball python and they do stick you with their teeth, it's very important to remember, do not just try and pull the snake off. Their teeth are curved backwards. So what you need to do is grab it by the jaw, on either side of the face, right here, where their jaws connect in the back and that way you'll be able to push the snake forward and then lift off. And that's how you get their teeth out of your skin when they have sunk their teeth into you."

eHow Article: How to Avoid a Python Strike