I may be shying away from kingsnakes - Maybe some of ya'll can keep me going?

[Starbuck]

i agree with MBKs posts.

You can try moving your king to a diferent area of the house, leave him alone for a week, then try handling and see if there is a change.

I realize most of us just assumed it was a feeding resopnse bite; formica actually asked for clarification. If the snake is in a suspended 'S' shape, and strikes repeatedly and then retreats, it is a defensive reaction to an uncomfortable situation. If your snake is biting then holding on, it is a food issue.
When my female king bit me; she was alert and inquisitive when i took her out, and as she was nosing aorund my hands, she suddenly froze, pushed her face against the side of my hand, then opened her mouth and held on (?!?) she let go after a few seconds, but i was completely caught off guard, there wasnt anything to make me think it would happen beforehand. In later handling sessions, i was more wary of her, so i would move my hands away from her quicker, which i realize looked like prey, and she would have stronger reactions. This is when i started hook training, and building up to full handling (i.e. her head stayed on the bed or on a perch, and i handled her body and tail). I also taught my boyfriend to handle her safely, since he wasnt afraid of being bitten (stupid i know), and wouldnt react like i would. It was 90% about me building my confidence, and 10% about training the snake :P