Defense Mechanisms and Warnings – Part 2

As you remember, I recently did a post of defensive techniques snakes use to warn us and ultimately avoid conflict. This is a continuation on that as there are a few more worth discussing.

6. Ball Technique

Image Source

A manoeuvre made so well known by the Royal Python, they now are better known by their very suited nickname, Ball Python. These little guys are quite head-shy, meaning, as soon as is seems their head could get damaged or hurt, they curl into a tight ball that envelops and hides their head away. Though there are feisty ball pythons, these little ones are mostly shy and not as defensive, making great pets, specially for first time snake keepers!

7. Hooding

Spectacled Cobra. Image Source

This specific tactic only refers to Cobras as well as the Rinkhals (though it is considered a Cobra, it is not a true Cobra, but still falls within the same family – elapidae). As a warning to oncoming predators and anything perceived as a threat, the muscles in the Cobras neck will raise elongated ribs to flatten and display the hood, keeping the skin taught, and grabbing the attention of any passing creature, raising its body off the ground and giving a clear visual warning. King Cobras are able to look a full grown man in the eyes.

8. Spitting

Mozambique Spitting Cobra. Image Source

Though this is a more harsh warning mechanism, it will ultimately be better than a bite. Reffering now to only spitting cobras and, again, the Rinkhals. Once it seems the hooding technique is failing and the unwanted visitor is now moving a bit too close for comfort, these snakes will spray a stream of venom directed for the eyes of its victim. This is still considered a warning, as, though they do now have to give up some of their venom, it will ultimately not kill anyone, only used for creatures larger than itself, and when washed off, will only be left with eye irritation for a short while. Ultimately, the snake is still less at risk spraying than biting, as that is a physical attack that will often end in a retaliation from the opposed.

9. Coiling

Brown Tree Snake. Image Source

We are all familiar with this position, you know the one, where the snake is preparing for a strike – a little nip at you. Now this is also in itself a warning. They are visually showing you that if you do not back away and respect their space, they are ready to strike at you, and will do so if necessary.

All they want is for you to just step back, they need space and they don’t see you as inquisitive. All they see is a rather large heat signature approaching them, so it is most probably a predator.