Why would my Ball Python become aggressive?

[Praireboyfarmer]

I've had my ball python about... 5 months now.

He has never actually bitten me, and he is not overtly agressive, but I'm beginning to notice more aggresson than was there before.

One example is the other day I was bathing him with a soft rag (very gently and he needed it) and he struck at me and missed.

Then today I was feeding him and he tried to take the mouse and missed (but still coiled around it) but he became VERY aggressive afterwards. He looked like a dang rattlesnake the way he was (He reminded me of a really mean kingsnake I had caught a while back). He never actually struck at me, but I know that if I had provoked him any further he would have.

On top of that he has became more reclusive. Staying in his hides all the time (versus never going in them before) and just general behavior change that I can't put my finger on.

I can still hold him most of the time, I mean he NEVER has gotten aggressive with me while handling him or any other general activity. I haven't noticed any difference in him health wise. and he is not shedding. I checked for any signs that he was beginning a new shed and I don't see any.

I haven't handled him near as much here lately, could it be the lack of getting him out that has caused him to become this way?

[AndrewM1217]

So you've had him for 5 months, but how old is he? Some people have reported a sort of "teenage angst" period in their snakes that passes with time, but I have no personal experience with it

[Praireboyfarmer]

So you've had him for 5 months, but how old is he? Some people have reported a sort of "teenage angst" period in their snakes that passes with time, but I have no personal experience with it

He is about a year and 8 months old.

Sorry, I tried to include all the information I could, can't believe I forgot to mention his age.

[TheLastBaron]

I can't honestly say what might cause it. Have you moved the enclosure or changed anything about his setup? I have had my ball, Cleo, for 23 years this month and never an aggressive move. I have only seen aggressive bps on youtube or I wouldn't believe it.

[reptiledude987]

The first strike you mentioned sounds like it may have been startled but hard to say for sure. However the "aggressive" behaviour is easily chalked up to a feeding response. Thats not out of character for any snake BP or otherwise.

[Aaron_S]

So you're feeding a snake that's almost 2 years old a mouse and after it missed it's meal it became "aggressive"?

Umm, this is pretty clear here. The snake was looking for food. The snake is also probably underfed as well so it could be extra hungry so it's a little more on edge looking for food.