Many reptile lovers often find their ball pythons stretching out their necks in the middle of the night as if searching for something.
It is a funny and perplexing sight for many reptile guardians.
You see, first-time parents don’t have the faintest clue why their ball python is behaving in such a manner and what it wants.
But, you need not worry that your adorable ball python has suddenly lost its marbles.
Ball pythons are nocturnal creatures which means that they are most active during the night.
Hence, it is likely that you will see your snake explore its environment most around nighttime.
Furthermore, if you happen to find your slithery friend raising its neck out and looking around, you are witnessing your ball python periscope.
Periscoping is perfectly normal behavior in most snakes.
So, please don’t freak out thinking that your snake has gone into attack mode or trying to escape.
Snake periscope when they want to get a better look at their surroundings.
When ball pythons raise their neck off the ground and bring their heads forward, they can get a clearer view of things further off.
But, to get an in-depth understanding of why snakes practice periscoping, continue to read on.
Because in this article you’re going to discover the following
- What it means when a ball python periscopes?
- What it means when a snake in general periscopes
- How to know when your ball python may strike
So if you’re interested about why your snake is periscoping you’re going to love this article!
Sound good?
Let’s get started!
What does It Mean When A Ball Python Periscopes?
Periscoping is how snakes position themselves in a particular way, with their necks raised high and their heads forward – much like the periscope of a submarine.
Submarines use a periscope to look at activity above the water when the submarine itself is underwater.
So, it is that snakes use their necks to take a look at things from a height as to what is around when they can’t figure something out from ground level.
In the wild, snakes periscope when they are trying to get their bearings right.
You see, snakes tend to move from one place to another from what they can see and hear.
Snakes aren’t exactly known for their fantastic sense of vision.
But, they make their way around from the vibrations that they feel on the ground.
Yet, every once in a while, you will see a snake periscope, especially around tall grasslands, to get an idea of the landscape around them.
But your cuddly ball python loves to periscope too.
Many reptile parents claim that their ball python periscopes whenever your pet is let out of its enclosure.
And, other reptile guardians find their pet snake periscope in the middle of the night.
Well, it makes sense that your python would periscope when allowed cage-free time.
Unfortunately, first-time reptile parents seem to think that their beloved pet is preparing to attack when their ball python is periscoping.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
It does indeed take a while for your python to bond with you.
But, in general, ball pythons are shy and docile creatures that hardly attack even with provocation.
What Does It Mean When Snakes Periscope?
Time outside the cage for your ball python is a fun and frolic hour for your pet companion.
No wonder it wants to stretch itself to unwind and feel relaxed.
Your snakey friend may even periscope to get a look around and determine which new spot it might like to explore.
And, you may know that ball pythons are friendly creatures.
But, they are also very shy beasts.
The most you’ll see of your ball python is after nightfall.
When the sun goes down, ball pythons love to come out of their hidey holes and look for food to eat, have some fun and explore.
Periscoping is just another way of checking out the environment around them.
It is also around night time that you will see your ball python looking at you with obvious interest – as if to know who and what their human is like.
Check out my article where we go into much detail about periscoping – Why do snakes periscope?
How Do You Know When Your Ball Python Is Going To Strike?
As mentioned earlier, ball pythons are very docile creatures.
And, these are timid animals that are often recommended to first-time pet parents as they are so easy to care for and handle.
It is rare indeed to find a ball python ready to strike.
If your python is in a mood bad enough to strike, then it must have extreme provocation to do so.
In most circumstances, ball pythons tend to move away from confrontations.
But, it is a snake that does know how to defend itself.
And, if it feels the need, then it will strike.
But, how can a novice tell the difference between a snake that is merely exploring or one that is preparing for an attack?
Well, when snakes periscope, they may look like they are about to attack the untrained eye.
But, a pet parent who has had some experience with snakes will tell you that you only need to worry when your snake starts to hiss.
And, if your ball python has an ‘S’ formed with its neck and head and has its tail in a tight position, then you need to move away from your pet baby.
Ball pythons do not have fangs; they have as many as 100 inward curving teeth.
And you will feel the bite of a ball python, the grasp more likely to hurt more than the bite itself.
A ball python bite may cause scratches, puncture wounds, bruising, and even severe internal damage.
And, these bites may be painful when bitten as well as when they heal.
So, take heed when your python is hissing away.
Wrapping Up
Your pet snake is periscoping simply because they want to have a good look at their surroundings
Because they are always slithering around they can’t see what’s far ahead so your ball python will periscope
You see, ball pythons make fabulous pets.
They are very low-maintenance, and despite appearances, they are very friendly and cuddly creatures.
Yet, you have to realize that all animals strike when they feel threatened, and your ball python, despite its mild nature, will strike to defend itself.
Hence, when you bring home a beautiful ball python as a family member, give your pet the chance to get accustomed to its new environment.
Every creature needs space, and hopefully, with some time and lots of love and care, your ball python will become a cherished part of your life.
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