So here's the story behind this little guy: I went and picked up a Mojave BP that has apparently been very VERY nippy. The owner claimed that the snake struck at him as he was bringing him to me. I've now held the snake for about 45 minutes (I'm getting him used to my smell as we travel and now as I set up his new home) and while I can tell that he is EXTREMELY nervous and afraid (body is tense, anything he touches while he explores causes him to flinch, etc) he has not struck at me even once, hasn't hissed at me even once, has even explored on my arms, and is currently laying in my lap. Hopefully this guy will calm down over time, with lots of patience and proper care (he's over-fed and hasn't had enough humidity since he has stuck shed - and that's only what I can tell right off the bat). My understanding of this guy's history is that he never got handled much after being hatched, and then had a feeding incident with a live mouse that led to him getting bit (this apparently happened about a week ago). Now, just a few months old, the owner is upset with his nippy behavior. This little guy will not be going back to his previous owner, as the owner decided that the snake would be better off staying with me (my original offer to the owner was for me to foster him and try to tame him, then return him to the owner with the understanding that I would teach the owner how to properly care for him and how to properly handle him). So this was definitely a surprise adoption, but I'm happy to have him. He's absolutely gorgeous, even if he is a chub chub.

Once he goes into his new set-up, I'll be leaving him alone for a week. He'll get fed with me for the first time next Friday, and then his first handling will be a couple days after that. Hopefully he ends up with the sweet temperament I think he's capable of! I'll keep you all updated, if you so wish. This is one of many examples of a snake being given up due to behavioral issues that really aren't "end-of-the-world" problems. It is possible to keep a nippy snake. It is possible to work with a nippy snake and help him get used to being handled. And should he stay nippy? Doesn't mean I won't still adore him! He's found a forever home here with me. =]