My smallest girl used to hiss when you picked up her hide, or picked her up....or so I'm told. I have funky hearing and can't actually hear them hiss. I have seen her hiss though. I saw her sides move funny, and my friend that was there with me told me that she was hissing At least I know what to look for. She's gotten over the 'big bad snake' syndrome since she has been handled more often. ^_^

However, not being able to hear the hiss is a very good reason why I won't ever own a snake that is big enough to actually hurt me... hissing is the kind of sign you want to be aware of! (and rattling....can't hear that either!)