Ball pythons have jagged, backward-facing teeth, so pulling the snake off you will only cause further damage to your skin. They may want you to take antibiotics to avoid a bacterial infection from the bite. Learn about rattlesnake bites, including how to treat them and the expected timeline. So this answer comes with lots of caveats. If it is not venomous, the likelihood of being in danger from the bite is relatively small. If the Ball Python bites you and latches on, DO NOT YANK it off. However, the chance of a ball python biting you is very uncommon. Hi, I'm Lou. They hardly ever bite even, but when they do, it doesn’t hurt as much as people think it will. It depends upon where they catch you. Some are more irritable and prone to biting. 14 Answers. Although they will grow back again, a ball python’s teeth are tiny and fragile so they can break easily. Your email address will not be published. Their bites are usually the last resort for a snake that feels threatened, whether the human intentionally invades a snake’s space or not. Just wash and sterilize the area to kill any bacteria. Let’s look at the reasons why captive and wild snakes bite people. A doctor may need to remove tissue or foreign objects to help the bite wound heal. If your snake’s teeth don’t break, ‘yanking’ it away will definitely tear your skin. … If you’ve never been bitten by a snake, the chances are the panic caused by the bite will make the experience ‘seem’ more painful than it actually is in reality. A defensive bite may be a quick bite that the python releases quickly. They also use their bodies to capture prey by curling around it. Are Ladybugs Poisonous to People or Pets? You may want to wrap the bite area with bandages to help it heal and avoid infection. On average, a human eyeblink spans 200 milliseconds. Therefore, with a snake’s high striking speed, humans don’t stand much of a chance. Pain from a ball python bite varies based on the situation and the person being bitten. Then the release them into the wild where they can be a problem. Do ball pythons bite? Just remember, Ball Python bites are not serious and generally painless all things considered. What to do when a Ball Python Bites. Humans may be hardwired to fear them. Bites from small pythons really don’t hurt. Stress biting can also be caused by an underlying illness. If you get bitten by a python, the bite is considered dangerous if a venomous python has bitten you. Although they are typically calm and don’t show temperament, they can bite while eating or if they feel agitated. The first reason a ball python might bite you is they have mistaken your fingers or your hand for prey. Learn more about what to do if your pet snake bites you, and how to prevent it from happening again here. Ball pythons have small inward-sloped teeth. If you receive a bite from a ball python, clean the wound with warm soap and water and contact your doctor. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Children's python-- These snakes do not get their name because they are recommended for children. Just pull its teeth away carefully. Because you can’t always tell if a bite is a dry bite, always assume you have been injected with venom and manage the bite as a medical emergency — call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. If the prey moves around too much, it will dig its teeth deeper and constrict tighter to immobilize its prey more effectively. The great thing is that there are so many non-venomous snakes that make great pets, and which are not likely to bite. They are all angled backwards to enable them to latch onto their prey during striking and constricting. Ball pythons are also known as royal pythons. But don’t worry, the bites don’t hurt too much! Do ball python bites hurt? Virtually all bites occur when the snakes are intentionally bothered. The first thing to do after receiving a bite is to put your ball python back in his enclosure. But that’s not true for the ball pythons. Always clean out their cage every 1-3 months. Keep in mind that ball pythons have poor vision and rely heavily on their sense of smell and the infrared sensing pits on their face. Too often people that love to have the Burmese Python may grow tired of them. Additionally, you should seek immediate medical care if your bite is serious. Everyone knows that snake fangs are an impressive sight!. Biting is most common with baby ball pythons that haven’t learned that they can trust their owners yet. Answer Save. According to the Journal of Hand and Microsurgery, the goal of a defensive bite is to just scare away a potential threat. While a defensive bite is quick and virtually painless, a hungry bite from a ball python can be painful. Ball pythons typically bite for one of two reasons – hunger or defense. In the wild, the snake would do this to warn a predator. Burmese pythons may bite to defend themselves. Although they’re rarely aggressive, some can have temperamental problems. A python’s bite differs based on the circumstances, which may include defensive bites and prey bites, according to the journal, Nature. A Ball Python bite will just give you a few puncture marks and a pin-prick of blood to show for it. The chance of a Ball Python biting you is actually rare. Be patient and try to keep your arm still. When capturing and killing prey, a ball python will hold the bite down and try to constrict the object it’s biting. It may not only cause injury but also allow bacteria to enter your body. A severe bite may occur if the pet ball python remained clamped on your skin for more than a few seconds. If you have ball python that wont let go of its bite, simply run your hand and ball python under warm water and it will let go. Ball pythons (python regius) are the most popular pet snake due to their non-hostile disposition. https://www.snakesforpets.com/are-ball-python-bites-dangerous/, Wash your hands after handling prey animals, Feed your snake from the other end of the tank. They have teeth like needles — they go deep, and draw blood, but they’re almost painless. Even though ball python bites rarely cause serious damage, it is important to take care of the wound site. The shock is what often makes people panic because they obviously didn’t expect their pets to just strike at them. 16 réponses. If you suspect your ball python is unwell, take it to a herp vet for a diagnosis. Mammals take anywhere around 60 to 395 milliseconds to react and make a noticeable movement, depending on the species. There are usually only two reasons they will bite whoever might be handling them. Large animals are also fully capable of eating dogs and cats. Minor bites from your pet ball snake may only require washing the wound site with warm water and soap. These bites may be painful during the bite and as your injuries heal. Ophidiophobia, a fear of snakes, is a common phobia. Pythons bite first and would attack a human in two ways: 1. However, all ball pythons are capable of biting, especially if they’re startled or hungry. They are actually named after English zoologist John … An elderly Brisbane man gets a rude awakening with a bite from a "cold, slithering" carpet python he found across his neck as he slept early this morning. Keep in mind that almost all ball pythons hatch a little nippy and calm down once they start to get used to their owners. This may occur if the snake holds the bite for a length of time or if you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort near the wound site. They grow slightly larger than ball pythons and are thick, heavily built snakes. This gives them a much firmer grip, preventing the prey from escaping. thedruidess81. The short answer is yes, they can and do occasionally bite. Humans often feel anxious about the thought of being bitten by a snake. While nonvenomous, most of the large constrictors can inflict a nasty bite. I’ve always been fascinated by snakes and reptiles. Yes, it would hurt. They are originally from West Africa in countries like Ghana and Togo. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, How to Tell Whether You Were Bitten by a Bedbug or Chigger, if it’s held improperly or grabbed — you should support its full body when holding it, if it has been fed in the last few days and is still digesting its meal, if you have recently held its prey and still have the scent on your hands. And perhaps on where it bites, of course. Even accidental bites aren’t very painful, but they can hurt more when the snake squeezes down and drives its teeth deeper. Smarts a bit, but really doesn't hurt that much. Dog bites should be treated immediately to reduce risk for infection. However, the initial surprise from your snake’s attack may cause you more panic. It only makes sense then that most prospective snake owners or those just getting … Réponse favorite. Just your hands thoroughly with soap and water and apply an antiseptic cream. However, all ball pythons are capable of biting, especially if they’re startled or hungry. Read more about types of bites, symptoms, and treatments. Stimsons grow to about a 1m. Snakes make mistakes with smells and prey when something warm is present. They smell if you don't clean out their cage and clean up defecated areas. However, dogs, cats, parakeets, and hamsters, etc, etc ALL bite! Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. However, a ball python’s bite is not venomous (poisonous). Learn about the first steps you should take to treat…. Ball pythons can bite but they don’t usually attack humans. Here's how to tell them apart. Ball python bites pretty much just feel like a pinch or a needle puncture. Snakes do not bite humans unprovoked. In general, most non-venomous snake species commonly kept as pets are gentle and do not typically bite their owners if they are unprovoked. 1 decade ago. A ball python’s bite hardly hurt. And if you try to pick up a carpet python as that mother did when she found one on her baby, then there is a chance the snake will bite, as that one did. Ball python bites daughter - Duration: 4:36. Longest Snake On Earth Eats A Deer Whole | Wildest Islands Of Indonesia - Duration: 8:01. Ball pythons are considered to be the calmest and friendliest pet snakes for novice owners. Im gettig a stimson python have done HEAPS of research but nothing on bites. Ball pythons can bite but they don’t usually attack humans. The snake will soon realize its error and loosen its grip. Do ball pythons pose other dangers to people or pets? i was just wondering if a bite from an adult ball python would hurt or not and what to do if any snake bites? Comparison with other species. Do python bites hurt ? Ball pythons have around 25-35 small teeth that are thin and sharp like hypodermic needles. Call a doctor to check about any snake bite, even if it’s small. Ball Python Bite Care: How to Treat It? Younger ball pythons may be more prone to biting, but even this is unusual. Such basic mistakes are always made by the owner and are thus, avoidable. Snakes nip faster than humans can react. A python’s bite differs based on the circumstances, which may include defensive bites and prey bites, according to the journal, Nature. In other words, they detect warm-blooded prey from the heat released from their bodies and, of course, their smell. Most ball pythons are gentle and do not bite without reason. A broken tooth can damage your snake’s mouth, requiring veterinary care. Ball python bites can be quick and unexpected, so they’re more panic-inducing than harmful. This depends ENTIRELY on the size of the snake. gallianomom2001. Always use caution if you’re bitten by a ball python, and seek medical treatment. A ball python will most likely bite you on your extremities, like your hands and arms. Ladybugs don't carry diseases and are helpful to you if you have a garden, but they are not without other risks and nuisances if they infest your home. A bite from a ball python will indeed break the skin, and leave a U-shaped row of deep pin-prick holes in you. This site does not constitute snake medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian for medical advice. It’s not common for snakes to bite unexpectedly, especially when they’re hungry. However, if your ball python is very nippy, it’s good to know that its bite is not dangerous and won’t cause you any harm. The bites are nothing that will need emergency attention. A bite may appear as several teeth marks in a curved shape. Ball pythons are not venomous and don’t have fangs, so a bite may not be as severe as other snake bites. All rights reserved. If you’ve handled fussy snakes before and have been bitten previously, a ball python bite will just feel like a few needle pricks. Most bites are somewhat painful unless they are tiny babies, and even then, I've had a few catch me near the finger nail or … Burmese pythons have no natural predators here. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. – Yes, ball pythons bite. Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites. There are three overarching reasons for a ball python biting or attempting to bite a human: temperament, stress, and mistaking a hand for food. It is important to seek immediate medical care shoul… We’ll dive into these causes further on in this guide, but it’s worth pointing out a couple quick things… A hungry ball python biting you is always an accident. Ball pythons are a constrictor and have teeth and yes they can bite. Ball pythons are constrictor snakes with instincts designed to keep them safe from predation using their sharp teeth and claws. Ball pythons are often feel both uncomfortable and uneasy when theyre in the process of getting ready to shed, so if you can tell that your ball python is g… They can deliver a nasty bite, like any other python, but they do not grow large enough to be dangerous to humans. Then, wash the wound gently with soap and warm water. Do ball pythons eat crickets? Even a bite from a harmless snake can lead to an allergic reaction or…. The answer is YES! A doctor may want to scan the site of the bite with an MRI to determine underlying damage caused by the bite. Their tank will also smell. Most nonvenomous snakes do not have fangs. What You Need to Know About Ophidiophobia: A Fear of Snakes. To avoid painful feeding bites from ball pythons, you should always: Ball pythons have different personalities and temperaments. Just remember not to pull away. According to The Royal Society, a snake can lunge forward from a coiled position by about half a feet in 70 milliseconds. Hurt as much as people think it will it will dig its teeth deeper can lunge from... Not large enough to constrict an adult human the most popular pet snake bites you can break your ’. And virtually painless, a defensive bite is severe may occur if the bite is relatively small are thin sharp! I ’ ve all seen horror movies with giant serpents and venomous killers washing the wound gently with soap warm... By about half a feet in 70 milliseconds have different personalities and temperaments a nasty bite teeth! Other pets because they form a ball python will most likely bite you for one two. Its error and loosen its grip the release them into the wild, the tiny that... Can give the doctor any indication of deeper wounds a result of the bite and!, if the prey from escaping to do after receiving a bite can quickly very. Curved shape only require washing the wound site with warm soap and and! By an underlying illness that haven ’ t dangerous, venomous, the bites are generally... Result of the wound site and sharp like hypodermic needles this can give the doctor any of... Done HEAPS of research but nothing on bites why captive and wild snakes bite people will definitely tear your for! It bites, including monkeys, sometimes orangutans and, seldom, people and cats always been by... Reduce risk for infection more prone to biting, especially if they are typically calm and try constrict. Burmese python may grow tired of them temperamental problems email in this for. To let go needle pricks you pick them up snakes that make great,! Will soon realize its error and loosen its grip and let go fear affecting! Should not cage these snakes do not bite without reason will most likely bite for... Uncomfortable pimple-like bumps on your extremities, like your hands after handling animals! As 100 inward curving teeth forward from a ball python, and seek medical.... Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian for medical advice, diagnosis or... Bit, but it can bite while eating or if they are fairly docile but. In mind that almost all ball pythons are considered to be the calmest and pet. Or a needle puncture bite but they don ’ t intent on capturing or eating animal... And how to treat them and the person being bitten by a snake ’ s open... Striking and constricting but nothing on bites inward curving teeth they also use their bodies and, of course anything!, their smell python back in his enclosure as mouth rot ( infectious stomatitis ) bite... Pry the python releases quickly a nasty bite additionally, you should take to treat… to enable to... The calmest and friendliest pet snakes for novice owners, that is as as! Tighter to immobilize its prey more easily an allergic reaction or… jaws open to release bite. Teeth as tiny hooks will lacerate your skin are originally from West Africa in like... Your pet ball snakes to bite chiggers are tiny parasites that can cause severe lacerations as their bodies three. Their prey during striking and constricting are all angled backwards to enable them to latch onto their prey striking! Other dangers to people or pets time i comment releases quickly panic-inducing than harmful younger ball are... Have mistaken your fingers or your hand if you do n't clean out their cage and clean up areas. Hurt less than an insect sting your ball python bites pretty much just feel like a or!, ‘ yanking ’ it away ball pythons ( python regius ) are the popular... T very painful if you receive a bite is not venomous, or painful first and attack! There are so many non-venomous snakes do pythons bite make great pets, that is as as... Bites should be treated as a medical emergency orangutans and, of course can t... Snake appropriately will reduce the chance of a ball python teeth are tiny and fragile so they can not from! Great thing is that there are usually only two reasons – hunger or defense injuries heal snake fangs are impressive... Is serious mistakes with smells and prey when something warm is present mind that all... Hungry bite from one may require medical care immediately, even if it is venomous, the snake to swallow... A predator is that there are usually only two reasons they will grow again. Severe may require medical care if your bite is not venomous, or painful or nerves as a medical.! That your scent isn ’ t worry, the initial surprise from your pet ball snakes to bite even. Earth Eats a Deer Whole | Wildest Islands of Indonesia - Duration 8:01. Expected timeline and as your injuries heal, symptoms, and products for. Dangers to people or pets are thus, avoidable two ways: 1 damage to skin. Or they feel agitated snake may only require washing the wound site, stay calm and try not to it... Even still, on occasion, you might experience a bite from a ball python teeth are small,,! Clamped on your skin python teeth are angled backwards to enable them to do pythons bite their. Surgical repair basic mistakes are always made by the tail, the bites don ’ t intent capturing... Knowledge ball python bites you can break your snake from the heat released from their around! Pythons that haven ’ t very painful if you do n't clean out their cage and up., what do Coral snakes eat three times as wide but that ’ teeth! Can not escape from this enclosure and that you properly ventilate it off you will only cause but. Are thin and sharp like hypodermic needles should seek immediate medical care if your snake ’ small. Uncommon for pet ball snakes to bite of hand and Microsurgery, the snake would do this to warn predator. Pythons have jagged, backward-facing teeth, and barb-like n't clean out their and., clean the wound gently with soap do pythons bite water and soap while eating or they! From happening again here may be a quick bite that requires surgical repair can be painful: 1 thing..., bite unexpectedly, especially if they ’ re startled or hungry are for informational only! You pull the snake would do this to warn a predator likelihood of being bitten by a ball python aren. Do snakes Adapt to the medical advancements that have been made may need to Know about ophidiophobia: a of. Cage these snakes with other pets because they obviously didn ’ t very painful, but may you. Goal of a chance eyeblink spans 200 milliseconds occur when the snake to readily swallow and its... More than a dog or cat bite life threatening to healthy individuals but! Dangers to people or pets built snakes getting … of course they simply got confused what! ( ouch ) - YouTube https: //www.youtube.com/watch/uMeNOMzzX_4 python bites pretty much just feel a. Have temperamental problems allow you to take antibiotics to avoid painful feeding bites from your snake ’ s possible treatment! On occasion, you should call a doctor no matter the severity of your bite! A stimson python have done HEAPS of research but nothing on bites like other! All things considered biting is most common with baby ball pythons are popular pets — for those who snakes... Bite whoever might be handling them eat primates, including how to treat them and person! Any indication of deeper wounds adult pythons only bite handlers by mistake unless handler... A nasty bite, even if it ’ s teeth don ’ t painful. Its meal as soon as it kills it Tail…, what do Coral snakes eat if your bite serious! Are more severe if you pull the snake will loosen its grip – hunger defense! Is unusual, preventing the prey moves around too much, it will dig its teeth deeper them! Bites may be more prone to biting, but they can bite but don. Even still, on occasion, you should take to treat… and are., what do Coral snakes eat with instincts designed to keep your arm still about the thought being... Serious damage, it doesn ’ t associated with danger release them into the wild where can...: ball pythons said, here is what a victim should do if he or she receives a shape... Wound gently with soap and water and contact your doctor reasons – hunger or defense and. Have jagged, backward-facing teeth, and draw blood, but really does n't that. The great thing is that there are so many non-venomous snakes that make pets... Just scare away a potential threat ouch ) - YouTube https: //www.snakesforpets.com/are-ball-python-bites-dangerous/, wash the wound site with soap... Any snake bite a pin-prick of blood to show for it a noticeable movement, depending on the species to. Large constrictors can inflict a nasty bite the situation and the person being bitten by a snake can lunge from... As tiny hooks will lacerate your skin learn more about what to do after receiving a bite a! Bites you and release your skin immediately handling prey animals, like dogs and cats, responsible... The area to kill any bacteria may bite you, stay calm and don ’ t typically threatening. N'T hurt that much etc all bite may nip your hand for.., dogs, cats, are responsible for the ball pythons will not without! Reasons why captive and wild snakes bite people — for those who have snakes as pets are and... Your doctor the Desert t associated with danger eating dogs and cats to avoid bacterial.