agressive bullsnake

[jskora90]

Hi guys.. so I have had Oscar for about 4 months and he is a 6ft bullsnake. This is my very first snake and I was warned that a bullsnake isn't typically a "beginner" snake due to its aggressive personality but I was up for the challenge. For the first few weeks I was able to take him out of the cage and handle him.. when I would scoop in and grab him he would move away like I was told he would do. Today I am unable to touch him without getting bit. I have been told that bullsnakes bluff and they wont always bite... that's not the case with this one.. I have been bitten at least five times. It is important to mention that I feed him by dangling a dead mouse... however, when he has bitten he has not latched on like he would his food.. except for one time when I grazed the back of his head and he turned around and latched on to my hand. I know I am to blame for his aggressiveness towards me because I have not been handling him consistently.. but I would really like to regain his trust and be able to handle him again. I now believe that snakes sense fear. Before getting bitten for the first time I would not shy away.. even if he let out a subtle hiss, I was in charge. Well now I am more hesitant and the tables are turned. If anyone has a bullsnake or an aggressive one like it I could really use some suggestions. If it means dealing with a few more bites so be it (which isn't the best idea considering all the bacteria residing in a snakes mouth, but its worth the risk to me). As I type he has been staring me down for the past 30 min, head poking out of his cage (cage is wide open) instead of escaping as fast as possible... something isn't right. So yeah any help you can throw at me would be much appreciated. And by the way, if any of you are fairly new to snakes too and looking to get a bullsnake don't hesitate. Despite Oscar's attitude towards me, I couldn't be happier. He is an extremely active and curious snake and seriously a thrill to own. Part of me even finds his hissing and aggressiveness exciting. The bites will draw blood but do not hurt one bit.. not even as bad as a needle prick. Anyways thanks for reading and I look forward to your responses.

- Mike