Do Pet Snakes Attack Their Owners? Debunking Myths and Misunderstandings

Ball pythons, among other pet snake species, are popular reptiles for hobbyists and enthusiasts. Despite their docile nature, there are concerns about whether pet snakes might attack their owners. In this article, we will explore the realities behind snake bites, the reasons why they might occur, and why these fears are often misplaced.

The Nature of Snake Bites

Ball pythons, for instance, are generally known for their gentle disposition. However, like any living creature, they can and do bite under certain circumstances. These bites are usually defensive rather than offensive. Ball pythons lack venom and do not have fangs, so their bites are often not as severe as those from venomous snakes.

A bite from a ball python will rarely cause serious harm. While it may leave a mark or break the skin, it is primarily a response to feeling startled or cornered. These snakes do not have teeth, and their bite is primarily a result of the cartilage along their jaws.

Understanding the Behavior of Pet Snakes

It is important to understand that snakes, even pet ones, are not as easily tamed as other household pets like dogs or cats. They do not express happiness or enjoyment in the same way, nor do they lovingly interact with their owners. Instead, some pet snakes may purr when content, but this is a different behavior altogether and not remotely comparable to the affection displayed by dogs or cats.

The primary reason why snakes do not attack their owners regularly is simple. They are aware of their size and the fact that they cannot chew their food. Therefore, attacking a human is both too risky and usually unnecessary. A bite can trigger a response that could be fatal for the snake, even in the case of non-venomous species.

The Rarity of Actual Attacks

While snake bites from pet snakes are a possibility, actual attacks are rare. Most bites occur as a defensive mechanism. If a snake can escape, it will. When a snake feels threatened, its first response is to avoid confrontation, not to attack.

Some pet owners report instances where their snakes may mistake a hand for food, especially if the snake has just been handling a rodent. Snakes have poor eyesight but can detect heat, which can sometimes lead to a bite. However, once the snake realizes it has not made contact with food, it will often release the hand.

In the rare cases where a snake does bite, it is usually not intended to be harmful. The bite is often an accident or a defense mechanism, and very seldom does it escalate to an offensive action.

Real Life Incidents and Precautions

It is worth noting that there have been tragic cases where pet snakes have caused death by asphyxiation. For example, in 2018, a snake owner in Hampshire, England, died after being asphyxiated by his pet 8ft female African rock python. Such incidents are extremely rare but highlight the importance of proper handling and containment of pet snakes.