What does it mean when a snake's head is up?

When the cervical musculature of a snake contracts, the head and neck are raised almost straight up, as if the affected snake is gazing at the stars. Hence the term stargazing. This seemingly innocent behavior is actually a sign of a potentially serious underlying medical problem.
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When snakes raise their heads?

"If he lifts his head five to 10 centimetres off the ground, his neck will flatten out like a cobra [and] in certain circumstances, you can hear an audible hiss." Mr Darch said if that warning hiss did not work, a snake would prepare itself to strike.
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How do you tell if a snake likes you?

Signs That Your Snake Likes You
  1. Calm, unhurried movements. ...
  2. Takes food from you or while you are present. ...
  3. Will calmly explore you when you hold it. ...
  4. Comes to the front of the enclosure when you are present. ...
  5. Rests on you. ...
  6. Explores when you are nearby. ...
  7. Behaves differently with you.
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What does a snake look like when it's about to strike?

You can usually tell if the snake is about to strike by watching their tail. The positioning of the tail is what will eventually give them leverage and more lunging power. The snake will slowly move its tail into a tighter position and may even prop its tail up against something nearby to give it more leverage.
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Why is my snake staring up?

When the cervical musculature of a snake contracts, the head and neck are raised almost straight up, as if the affected snake is gazing at the stars. Hence the term stargazing. This seemingly innocent behavior is actually a sign of a potentially serious underlying medical problem.
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How to kill a Rattlesnake Properly



Why do snakes let you hold them?

Snakes are likely able to recognize their owner and behave in a trusting manner with them. You can encourage a bond with your snake by handling them at the right time and in the right way, associating yourself with good things, and recognizing the signs that a bond is developing.
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How do you gain a snake's trust?

Snakes recognize things by smell, so your snake needs to get comfortable around your scent. Try holding your hand about 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) away from your snake's head so it can smell you. If it gets into striking position, slowly move your hand out of the way. If your snake doesn't react, try moving your hand closer.
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How do you tell if a snake is stressed?

14 Signs That Show That Your Snake Is Stressed
  1. Loss Of Appetite.
  2. Weight Loss.
  3. Rubbing Their Nose Against Objects In Their Tank.
  4. Hissing.
  5. Striking.
  6. Attempting To Escape. Make Sure To Check The Following To Keep Your Snake From Escaping:
  7. Tail Rattling And Vibration.
  8. Regurgitation.
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How do snakes see humans?

Vipers, pythons and boas have holes on their faces called pit organs, which contain a membrane that can detect infrared radiation from warm bodies up to one metre away. At night, the pit organs allow snakes to 'see' an image of their predator or prey — as an infrared camera does — giving them a unique extra sense.
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What does it mean when a snake flattens its head?

When it is threatened, it raises its head and puffs out and flattens the skin around its neck - like a cobra. It hisses loudly, and lunges towards the threat. It is all a show!
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Does my snake recognize me?

Snakes are able to recognise and distinguish between humans and may recognise the scent of their owner as familiar or positive with time. However, snakes are unable to view humans as companions so cannot form a bond with their owner like other pets can.
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Why does my ball python stick his head up?

Stargazing syndrome in snakes is characterized by a snake turning the head and neck and staring upward. It is known as stargazing, as the snake looks as if he is staring at the sky and stars. This syndrome is the result of an underlying disorder, which can be determined by a veterinarian.
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Do snakes like being stroked?

How Do You Pet a Snake? If your snake doesn't seem to mind being pet, gentle and occasional handling is fine. Some snakes seem to enjoy a light massage down the length of their body, a head stroke, belly rub, or even a chin scratch, while others do not.
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Can snakes smell fear?

Can snakes smell fear? No, while snakes can certainly smell humans that are afraid of them, they don't smell fear! Snakes have no way of knowing if the animals or humans around them are afraid or not. So this is actually a myth.
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Do snakes like music?

No. The charm has nothing to do with the music and everything to do with the charmer waving a pungi, a reed instrument carved out of a gourd, in the snake's face. Snakes don't have external ears and can perceive little more than low-frequency rumbles.
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Why is my snake hissing at me?

As previously mentioned, hissing is a form of communication. If your snake is missing at you, it means it's feeling afraid, upset or annoyed. Any time your snake hisses at you, stop handling it and give it some time alone.
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Do snakes like to cuddle?

Snakes do not tend to enjoy cuddling because they have evolved to be solitary creatures. It's unlikely that snakes respond to physical contact the way mammals and birds do. However, over time a snake can associate you as a positive part of its life due to providing food and heat.
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What do snakes like to play with?

Snakes don't enjoy many toys, but they do like having a long object, like a stick or branch, to wrap themselves around. If your snake seems uncomfortable or strikes out at you during playtime, give it some space or put it back into its cage.
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Do snakes like their heads touched?

Some snakes do not like being touched on the top of their heads. Most Ball Pythons, for example, will become fearful and aggressive if being touched on the head, or on the neck. So, how tolerant a snake is of being petted can depend on where he's being touched as well.
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Can snakes recognize voices?

Ball pythons, like most snakes, recognize scents rather than how things look. They can smell when something is recognizable to them, although they also have a strong sense of hearing which means they may be able to recognize the sound of your voice.
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Do snakes fart?

Do Snake Farts Smell? Because snakes produce very little gas, it is hardly likely that you'll notice at all. Most times, you'll only notice your snake farting if it is underwater, where the gas may show as bubbles in the water. Also, snake farts don't smell, so they're unlikely to clear out a room when they pass gas.
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Do snakes like to watch TV?

Snakes can watch television, but they will not understand what they are seeing. They stare at a TV simply because of the light, heat, and movement coming from the screen. However, sitting with a calm snake and watching TV is a good way to watch your favorite shows while bonding with your pet.
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