I've had my ball python almost 2 weeks now. I left him completely alone apart from watering/re-moisturizing the moss until feeding day. Every time I go into the tank, he strikes at me. I've come to the point where I immediately remove the hide he's in, cover him with a towel and do my cleaning/maintenance.

I haven't been tagged yet, but I find it harder and harder to get myself to attempt to hold him the more he strikes at me. I've had him in my hand while covered up with the towel, but couldn't bring myself to lift the towel in fear of being bit.

Do you thing the aggression may be from fear, husbandry that's not on point, or just the character of the snake? Also looking for possible solutions to grow some balls and just hold him to start getting him used to being held occasionally.