If a snake is surprised or frightened it will use a defensive strike.

This means that the snake will strike out and bite but release immediately.

Depending on the species and size of the snake, these strikes can result in anything from no mark at all (hatchling Corn Snake) to very serious lacerations (Large Boa or Python) which will probably need medical attention.

Below is a very rough guide as to what you can expect from bites of different species of snake commonly kept in the hobby.

Colubrids               Boids           Giant Snakes

Hognoses

(I’ve dedicated a section to Western Hognoses as these are rear fanged snakes and need special attention)

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