My snake is too aggressive. How can I tame it?

• Species: Some species are born/hatched aggressive and will stay that way almost without exception. These species are best left to experienced keepers who are capable of dealing with their aggressive and often dangerous nature. Some particularly aggressive species include Reticulated Pythons, Amazon Tree Boas, Emerald Tree Boas, African Rock Pythons and many **venomous species** (see bottom of page). In most cases, these snakes have more than just an aggressive attitude and pose great risks to an inexperienced keeper.
  
  
• Age: Snakes are born/hatched into a world where they are vulnerable to all sorts of danger. Young snakes are usually pretty nippy when they are first born/hatched. An aggressive youngster will often outgrow its attitude with gentle handling, a little patience and a few bits marks. :-)
  
  
• Care: If your snake was being kept by someone else before you got it, it may have gotten used to having little human interaction. If your snake was or is being kept improperly, that can also affect its attitude. Also, if it is being kept in a high traffic area where it is constantly in view, this can play a role in its aggression.

• Waiting until your snake grows up: None of these methods will guarantee you a nice "tame" snake and this one is the least likely to work... but you never know. Sometimes snakes just need to get past their nippy juvenile stage before they will tolerate handling.
  
  
• The old T-shirt method: Some keepers claim that by leaving an old, unwashed T-shirt in the snake's enclosure, it will become used to your scent and stop seeing you as a threat. I wouldn't put money on this method but I'm sure it "could" work with certain snakes. I guess it's worth a try.
  
  
• Wearing gloves: While this might not be the ideal way to enjoy handling your snake, sometimes it's the only way. It can also lead to better things. Once your snake is "glove tame" you can work your way up from there.
  
  
• Regular and gentle handling: Without over doing it, regular handling is the most likely way to "tame" your snake. You may have to put up with some musking and a few bites, but eventually, most snakes will calm down a bit if they are regularly handled. You will have to play it by ear but even 5 minutes of gentle handling a few times a week should make a difference.
  
  
• The "Tip and Pick" method: If your snake is usually only aggressive when you go to pick it up, this tip might be what you are looking for. Small snakes being kept in Rubbermaid-type containers can be tipped over until they slide onto your hand. From there, they often just cruise around your hand and forget all about you.
  
  
• Hooks and Tongs: Like the glove method, this isn't the best way to enjoy your snake but again, it might be the only way to handle some snakes. If the snake seems to be most aggressive when you approach it, a hook or tongs can be a great way to pick up a medium size snake without getting bitten. Once you have the snake hooked, it should be pretty easy to get it to move onto your hand or arm.