The only time you should ever be "afraid" of a ball python is probably the first couple months after one has hatched, and even then, it's way funnier then it is scary. My breeder friend has some baby ball pythons that are as nippy as they come, but they grow out of it and some of them never bite or strike at anything other than it's food ever again. Heck, most of the baby ball pythons that have tagged me never even drew blood.

Don't be afraid, if your snake hasn't taken a bite out of you or it's previous owners in the past, then chances are it probably won't unless you catch it in the wrong mood.. and chances are it'll let you know with noises and posture before it ever makes a move to strike.

And if you ever do get tagged, I'd bet my life on the fact that you'll laugh right after it happens. It's kind of like a "This is what I was so afraid of? BWAHAHAHA!" moment.

Have fun with your creepy crawler!