What does it mean when a snake lifts its head?

"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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What kind of snake raises its head?

The hognose snake is sometimes called the puff adder. 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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How can you tell when a snake is happy?

10 Ways to Tell Your Snake is Happy and Relaxed
  1. Slow Movements When Picked Up. While snakes spend most of their lives moving slowly, they can move faster than you think. ...
  2. Relaxed Grip When Handled. ...
  3. Little Hyperfocussing. ...
  4. Normal Eating Habits. ...
  5. Normal Hiding Behavior. ...
  6. Healthy Shedding. ...
  7. Good Air Tasting. ...
  8. Consistent Personality.
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How do you tell if my 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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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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What to Do When You See a Snake



How do you calm a snake?

Stress Reduction

To help keep his stress level low, provide him with at least one (preferably two) hiding spaces in his cage. This will allow him to hide from potential predators, which will help him feel more calm and secure. Hiding places should be dark, and they should fit the snake snugly.
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How do snakes see humans?

They can use their eyes to create a visual image of the world around them, just like humans do, or they can use their extraordinarily sensitive infrared sensors to create a similar image based upon heat emitted by objects in their environment.
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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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Do snakes like being petted?

Snakes do not typically like being pet, but some that become accustomed to being handled don't mind the human interaction. Snakes can definitely feel when you pet them but the sensation is not as desirable as it is for many domesticated animals.
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How often should you hold your snake?

Depending on the type of snake, you can handle your snake anywhere from once per week to every day. Snakes that are skittish should be handled less frequently to get them used to it gently. Tame snakes can be handled daily as long as they haven't just eaten, are shedding, or show stress signs.
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What do snake tongue flicks mean?

(Image credit: stylesr1 | sxc.hu) A snake may appear threatening when it flicks its tongue out, but it's simply trying to get a better sense of its surroundings by "tasting" the air. To compensate for their poor eyesight and limited hearing , most snakes have an excellent sense of smell.
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What is it called when a snake stands up?

Ball pythons are known to lift a part of their body to assume a standing posture, a stance that is commonly referred to as periscoping. Unlike other snake species who exhibit the same behavior, standing upright is not a defensive stance for ball pythons.
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Why do snakes flatten their heads?

When threatened, they flatten their narrow heads into a triangle, mimicking the shape of their more dangerous cousins.
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Why does a snake flatten out?

They can flatten their bodies for several reasons. The most common reason for many snakes is to create a larger surface area to absorb more heat when out in the sun. Some other snake species flatten their bodies to appear more significant to their predators when they encounter risk.
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Can snakes hear you talk?

Since we know that the peak sensitivity of a snake's hearing is in the 200 to 300 Hz range and the average human voice is at about 250 Hz, we can determine that a pet snake can, in fact, hear you talking to them.
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Should you stand still if you see a snake?

Leave it alone. Snakes are generally shy and will not attack unless provoked, so it's best to leave them be. If you see a snake inside your home, get all people and pets out of the room immediately.
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Do snakes feel pain when cut in half?

Once they are captured, their heads are often forced down and severed with a machete. Others have their heads nailed to a tree and their skins slowly peeled off. Because of their slow metabolisms, snakes remain conscious and able to feel pain and fear long after they are decapitated.
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How can I bond with my snake?

Hold your hand in front of your snake's head so it gets used to you. 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.
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How do you play with a snake as a pet?

Snakes that are comfortable with human touch often glide around and in between their handler's fingers, hands and arms. To play with them this way, you first need to gain your snake's trust, so she feels at ease when you touch her.
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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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Do snakes love you back?

This means that, while your pet snake may not technically love you, they can definitely feel pleasure when you provide them with the things they need to survive – food, water, places to hide and feel safe, a warm spot to digest, and a cool spot to thermoregulate!
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Why is my snake hissing at me?

Similar to a dog's growl, a snake's hiss generally means “back off!” Snakes usually hiss when they feel threatened, angry, or annoyed.
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How can I make my snake happy?

be a relatively large enclosure. maintain ambient daytime temperatures of 80-85°F (27-29°C). provide for a basking area of 90-92°F (32-33.3°C ). provide hide boxes. ● have access to fresh water in a bowl that is large enough for the snake to soak.
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