Mine (P. Curtis) scared the hell out of me when I first got it. It struck wildly when I opened the bag and made a bid for freedom across the floor.

So I went out and got a pair of welding gloves and felt very silly when I took it out for the first time after letting it settle in for a couple of weeks. It was a little softy and has been ever since. Just treat it with the respect it deserves, scoop it from behind with confidence and don't wave your hands or face around in front of it and you'll be fine.