Has anyone here kept Spotted Pythons? I recently picked up an adult female spotted (anaterasi Maculosa [sp?]). And have a few observations/questions I'd like to share and see if my girl is unhappy/mean or just the way they are.

Basically, when I handle her she's usually very docile and very "snoopy" and likes to look around. But when I go into her enclosure to pick her up she tries to get away/acts a little scared. Occasionally she will defecate during the pick up or right after.

Last night she was partially in her waterbowl soaking (which she does ALOT!), and when I went to pick her up she flew across the enclosure and got behind one of her hides. I picked up the hide and went to pick her up and she gave me a closed-mouth strike, she didn't touch me, but she made it clear she wanted to be left alone. She then sat there in a wicked "s" shape and stared at me through the glass until I left the room.

She shed about 4 weeks ago, but her head scales are looking a little dry (like they have 'grout' between them), so maybe she's going into shed and generally a little "snarky" right now?

She's a great snake, but wow is she NOT a ball python!!!