Not a bite....but a taste?

[h20hunter]

So, had our bp out yesterday to do a thorough tank clean out. She seemed completely normal. She fed on a nice rat last week, we are on a two week cycle, is not in blue or pink belly pre shed. She didn't hiss or appear agitaged getting picked up. I get her out and walk her outside to look her over in the sun. Its 80, no wind, and very comfortable outside. My neighbor come over to look and I hand her over. She is doing what snakes do. She has a good wrap on her arm, doesn't appear to be squeezing or getting squeezed. Then, she basically rubs her face on my neibbors palm and takes a taste of the meaty part of her thumb, right at the base. It wasn't a bite or a strike. It was a slow, open the mouth, top jaw kind of pushed a little bit and she let go. Kind of like she was tasting? Now, the neighbor do have a dog. In hindsight I should have asked her to wash her hands to get any animal scent off. It only left a tiny pin prick, just a single. Afterwards she (the snake as well as my neighbor) acted like it was no big deal. She didn't appear to be stressed and was not acting aggressive.

So, fluke? Scent of the dog on her hands? I'm open to opinions.

[dr del]

I'd say probably the scent of dog.

Sounds like no harm done though.

[h20hunter]

Thanks Del.....that was my hunch and I chatted briefly with another forum member....I won't say who but she takes great pictures...one may say they are EPIC...and she was as helpfull as always.

[albinos_rule]

Your neighbor doesn't have any type of rodents do they? I have dogs that I love on all the time, and I have never had my snakes react that way.

[h20hunter]

Nope, just the puppy.

[rlditmars]

I was struck once immediately after petting my Dachshund and then holding an adult female. She nailed me hard and it wasn't in her nature to do so. I believe it was the dog scent along with the warmth of my hand that triggered the strike. I could be wrong though.