Ball Python Bite General Information

[Kit]

I got inspired to write some general information about Ball Python bites and how to care for a them after getting bit by my little Pastel female (Bumblebee). She is alright and it was my fault that I spooked her. But, we live and we learn and I won't make the same mistake again!

Please note this is for Ball Python bites, those are the only snakes that I have bite experience with.

The most common question that seems to be asked among people who haven't owned a Ball Python and/or are new to getting one is "What does a bite feel like?" That question can be a bit tricky to answer, as it really comes down to the force the snake applies, weather the response was defensive or a feeding response, and individual pain tolerance. The reason I did not include size of the snake is that I found getting bit by my smaller Ball Python actually hurt me a slightly more then getting bit by a full grown one. But, once again, pain tolerance is a key factor in this situation. The amount of force that a snake applies into it's bit can change the pain of the bite. If you have a snake that nips you and doesn't put a lot of force into the bite, naturally that's going to hurt a lot less than a full on terrified snake that is striking out in pure fear and putting all it has into a bite. Weather it is a defensive or feeding bite can also play a vital role to the type of bite you are going to get. A feeding response bite consist of having the snake latch on and constrict. That is most likely going to hurt much more then a defensive bite where the snake will bite then let go. Sometimes however the snake might become stuck if it's teeth do not pull out of the skin. ​Please note that getting a snake that has a feeding response or has it's teeth caught during a defensive bite to come off can be a bit tricky. Do not tear away from the snake, that can result in the Ball Python loosing teeth and the bite you have received becoming a lot worse. Gently pry the snakes mouth open and remove them. If you cannot it is %100 OK to ask for help. Lastly, the individual pain tolerance is the main factor here. Some people can take a lot of pain, others cannot. That is really going to be deciding factor here.

Many are unsure of what a Ball Python bite may look like, and people who don't know much about the Ball Python may think it ends with two large wholes where the snake injected it's venom, the person being in terrible pain, and to top it all off the person going to the hospital at the end for an anti-venom. I am happy to inform you that all of that is false.
1. Ball Pythons do not have fangs, they have rows of teeth used to draw in there prey.
2. Ball Pythons are not Venomous.
3.I am almost %100 certain there has been no reported deaths caused by a Ball Python bite.
A Ball Python bite with have a handful of tiny wholes where their small needle like teeth went through the skin. Sometimes there can be a lot of blood, other times there not blood at all. It depends where you got bit and all the factors in the paragraph above (minus pain tolerance). Sometimes there can be some bruising from the impact, everything should heal in at least a week or two. Sometimes you may be left with a scar, (I have one where I got bit by a full grown female Ball Python but it's hardly noticeable.)​If you see that the bite swells up, becomes red, becomes tender, and/or begins to have fluid drain from it, these can be a sign of infection and you should contact your doctor immediately.

Caring for a Ball Python bite is simple, but vital. Like most animals Ball Pythons can transmit diseases, but caring for the bite quickly and properly will lower your chances to almost zero. There is not much to do except to flush it out with water and clean it out thoroughly with anti bacterial soap. It is best to apply pressure until the bleeding stops and apply ointment to the bite and let it air. They are simple bites to care for and if it has any of the signs listed above in bold, or you feel uncomfortable in any way contact your doctor.

I hope this helped at least a couple of people. I am still new to the Ball Python community and I wanted to share my knowledge with those around me! I really want to stress that just because a snake bites does not mean that they are a horrible animal. My Ball Python Bumblebee bit me because the lighting was dim and she did not know my hand was me. I did a test and did the exact thing that lead her to bite me in the first place in a better lit setting and she didn't even attempt to bit me. She just came up to my hand and wrapped around it, what a silly snake Please, have a great day everyone and stay safe!