These pictures show just how ‘enthusiastic’ some snakes can be at feeding. ;o)

This is a yearling Californian Kingsnake that simply couldn’t wait for the mouse.

I was holding him as I cleaned out his vivarium when he decided to see if I was edible.

I saw him flicking his tongue in little sharp bursts then he opened his mouth and grabbed the side of my hand, at the same time trying to constrict my arm.

Got a very good grip, then proceeded to try and swallow me!

After a minute or so he gave up, released his grip and his bite and moved round to grab the side of my wrist and try again. He must have thought that it would be easier this way.  ;o)

It was obvious this time that he really thought he could do it. He was working his jaws in a ‘walking’ motion, just like he would when swallowing a mouse.

I decided it was time to get him off as I still had other snakes to clean out, so I filled the sink with luke warm water and dunked him under.

Did this deter him?

Nope, he continued ‘eating’.

After a few minutes I could see little bubbles coming up from his nose, but he was determined to finish his meal before coming up for air! 

Eventually he released and I put my other hand in to lift him out. He grabbed my finger while he was still under the water but let go immediately as he needed to come up for air.

Another feeding response bite.

Jim Lind