Understanding Snake Hissing: What It Means and How to Respond
Author: Vejay Anand
Snake hissing is a distinctive, attention-grabbing sound that provokes fear and confusion. If your pet snake starts hissing, you might be left wondering about its reasons. While humans can't decipher the language of snakes, understanding the motivations behind snake hissing is essential to ensure your snake feels safe and comfortable and to prevent potential snake bites.
The Mechanism Behind Snake Hissing:
Snakes can hissing due to a unique anatomical feature called the glottis. Located at the base of the snake's mouth, the glottis connects to the windpipe and allows snakes to continue breathing when swallowing large prey. Inside the glottis, there is a small piece of cartilage. This cartilage vibrates when a snake forcefully exhales, producing a distinctive hissing sound.
Reasons Why Snakes Hiss:
Hissing is a form of communication for snakes, and it typically conveys a clear message of "back off." Snakes commonly hiss when they feel threatened, angry, or annoyed. Here are some of the key reasons why your snake might hiss:
Fear:
If you catch your pet snake off guard or make sudden movements when approaching it, it might respond with a hiss. To prevent startling your snake, come slowly and use deliberate hand movements to signal your intention to handle it. Baby snakes may hiss more frequently than adults because they still adjust to human contact.
Annoyance:
Snakes don't always appreciate being handled, and a hiss can be their way of expressing their desire for solitude. If you've been holding your snake extensively, it may hiss to indicate its need for a break. In such cases, leaving your snake undisturbed for a while is advisable.
Digestion:
After consuming a substantial meal, snakes often prefer to avoid being handled. They need time to digest their food correctly. It's crucial to avoid taking your snake immediately after a meal, as the duration of digestion varies depending on the snake's species and the size of the meal.
Shedding:
Snakes shed their skin periodically, typically three to four times a year. During the shedding process, a snake's vision may be impaired, making it feel uneasy and vulnerable. For this reason, experts recommend refraining from handling a snake that is about to shed or shedding. Giving your snake space during this time can help reduce stress.
Responding to Snake Hissing:
Hissing serves as a means of communication for snakes. When your snake hisses, it's signaling feelings of fear, distress, or irritation. In such situations, it's crucial to stop handling your snake and provide it with some time alone. If possible, identify the cause of the hissing to address the underlying trigger and ensure your snake's comfort and well-being. Understanding snake behavior is essential for maintaining a healthy and positive relationship with your pet snake.
