I have one that when I got it was extremely small and high strung would musk everytime I tried and do it's rattlesnake impersonation. It's now about 22 inches and wraps around my finger, doesn't musk or bite at all. Never did try to bite me. You just need to work with them. The guy I got her from never handled her so they tend to be a little nervous at first. Time will mellow the fellow out.