So my and my boyfriend have a ball python. We've had him for about 3-4 years now. He's very healthy, eats every 1-2 weeks (live rats) and sheds/poops regularly. I've never been scared to take him out of his tank until just recently. My boyfriend is away so I've been taking care of the snake on my own and every time I try and take him out of his tank im petrified! He's been extremely curious lately. I always see him moving around the tank and whenever I attempt to take him out he comes close as if he wants to strike. We've always fed him in a separate tank so I don't know why he's being extra curious and treating me as a "threat" as of lately. I even just bought a snake hook to prevent my hand from going inside. Any suggestions or comments as to why his behavior is changing?

Also, I notice that he star-gazes...a lot. I know its normal for snakes to do but now im curious because he will sit with his neck up for a good 15 minutes straight in one position and I feel like thats not normal! The temperature in his tank is fine so I'm not sure what the issue is.

HELP!