we've had drake, our hog island boa X for over a year. he comes out to meet and greet company all the time... he's a social butterfly.

he has an attitude, as any self respecting hog island would... but he's all hiss and not bite. at least that what we thought. yesterday a friend came over and we brought out drake to meet him. well almost immediately drake starting striking at him. hit his toque and then his hand. my hubby got him away immediately and drake was hissing and going a little nuts (although i'd say he looks nuts but that's because he wasn't being supported at that time, my hubby was holding him by one hand and just getting him out of the room so drake was kinda weaving in his hand)... but as soon as my hubby got him out of the room he settled right down to his usual self.

no more hissing. my hubby said he just started being... drake. of course, drake was put back into his enclosure right away.

weird how much he disliked this guy... we wonder what set him off. our friend was hung over and stunk like a brewery - but other than that... he's not around rats or mice... and he's had and handled snakes before so it wouldn't be mishandling.

we don't drink so none of my snakes would have smelled beer etc before... but would that smell offend a snake? any drinkers here know?

any other suggestions as to why drake would act soooo out of character here? honestly, until now he's out meeting company all the time but after this, i won't let him near newcomers.