Seeing a snake bite itself can be quite alarming and concerning for snake owners and observers. Snakes biting their own bodies seem like a very unusual behavior, leading many to wonder why a snake would inflict damage upon itself.
Reasons for Self-Biting in Snakes
Pain or Irritation
One of the most common reasons for a snake to bite itself is due to pain or irritation. Snakes have sensitive skin, and anything that causes discomfort like skin abrasions, burns, or swelling can trigger a self-biting response.
The snake may bite the irritated area in an instinctive attempt to relieve the pain or attack whatever is causing the irritation. However, the bite usually just makes the problem worse. For example, if a snake has injured scales from rubbing against a sharp object in its enclosure, it may bite its own body in reaction, but this will only cause more damage to the wound.
Shedding
Another trigger for self-biting is when a snake is preparing to shed its skin. Snakes will often bite at their own bodies as the old skin starts peeling off. Scientists believe this reaction helps snakes remove the loose skin during the shedding process.
The biting motion helps them tear the old layer of skin away. However, sometimes snakes can get overly aggressive with self-biting during shedding, causing wounds on their bodies.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can also cause a snake to turn on itself or exhibit neurotic behaviors like body-biting. Snakes in captivity may experience higher stress due to improper housing, handling, or a lack of habitat enrichment.
Excessive handling by humans can also make some snakes nervous and prone to self-biting. In the wild, sources of stress and anxiety include predators, lack of food, competition with other snakes, and disruptions to their habitat.
Unfortunately, a stressed out snake may bite its own body due to displaced aggression or obsessive behavior patterns.
Parasites
Snakes with external parasite infections often bite themselves in the affected areas. Parasites like mites, ticks and worms can cause significant irritation, discomfort and skin damage. A snake infested with such pests will likely attack and bite the areas where parasites are feeding on their tissues.
The self-biting is an attempt to dislodge or destroy the parasites. However, the resulting wounds can become infected and pose health risks to the snake. Consulting an exotics veterinarian is recommended to properly eliminate snake parasites and treat any secondary problems.
Hunger and Hunting Instincts
Snakes that are very hungry may inadvertently bite themselves due to food response behavior. Their predatory instincts take over when catching a scent, even if it’s their own body odor. This reflexive biting reaction is more likely in snakes that aren’t fed regularly.
Wild snakes that can’t find prey may also mistakenly bite parts of their own bodies when in hunting mode. Additionally, the movement of a snake’s tail may trigger a feeding response in their brain, much like the motion of potential prey would.
Whatever the cause, these cases of mistaken identity usually don’t result in serious injury to the snake.
What to Do If Your Snake Is Biting Itself
Check for Injuries or Skin Irritations
If you notice your snake biting or striking at its own body, the first thing to do is give it a close inspection to check for any injuries, wounds, or skin irritations. Use gloves for safety when handling the snake.
Look for cuts, abrasions, stuck shed skin, mites, ticks, or other parasites that could be causing discomfort and provoking the snake to bite itself. A snake may bite areas that are wounded or irritated in an instinctive attempt to relieve pain or discomfort.
Treating any underlying health issues could stop the self-biting behavior.
Help with Shedding
Snakes will periodically shed their skin as they grow. Shedding difficulties can cause the old skin to stick to the new layer underneath, creating irritation and discomfort. Snakes may bite at their own bodies in an attempt to remove stuck shed skin.
Helping the snake through the shedding process by providing a humid hide box, misting the enclosure, or gently massaging with a wet cloth can relieve shedding issues. Removing any stuck shed skin yourself with tweezers or tape can also help.
Reduce Stressors
Stress is another major reason for odd snake behaviors like biting itself. Snakes are easily stressed by too much handling, loud noises, enclosure maintenance, incorrect temperatures, overcrowding, and other disruptions. Try to minimize anything that could be causing anxiety.
Provide a proper habitat with hiding places, stable appropriate temperatures and humidity, a day/night light cycle, and minimal handling. Removing stressors and allowing the snake to feel secure again may stop self-biting.
Treat Parasites
External or internal parasites like mites and worms can irritate a snake’s skin and scales. This discomfort may lead a snake to bite or strike at affected areas on its body. Consulting an exotics vet to diagnose and treat any parasitic infections can alleviate discomfort.
Thoroughly cleaning the enclosure after treatment can help eliminate mites and prevent re-infestation.
Feed Appropriately
Improper feeding can also cause odd snake behaviors. Overfeeding can lead to regurgitation, undigested food rotting in the digestive tract, and overall stress on body systems. Underfeeding can cause nutritional deficiencies and leave the snake hungry and irritable.
Stick to an appropriate feeding schedule and diet for the age and species of snake. Ensuring your snake is properly nourished can prevent the impulse to bite.
When to Seek Help for a Self-Biting Snake
Seeing your pet snake bite itself can be concerning. While occasional minor biting may be normal, repetitive or aggressive self-biting could signal an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention.
Signs It’s Time for a Vet Visit
According to veterinarians, you should bring your snake to the vet if you notice any of the following signs of abnormal self-biting behavior:
- Biting that breaks the skin or causes bleeding
- Biting focused on one area that could become infected
- Frequent biting episodes (more than once a week)
- Aggressive biting that seems obsessive or stressful for the snake
Snakes that bite themselves excessively may have an underlying health problem causing irritation, pain, or neurological issues. Getting prompt veterinary care can help diagnose and treat the cause of the biting.
When It May Be Normal
Not all self-biting in snakes should trigger an emergency vet visit. According to reptile care experts, occasional gentle mouthing is common as snakes explore their environment. Signs it may be normal self-biting include:
- Brief, gentle biting that does not break the skin
- Only occasional biting (once a month or less)
- Biting during shedding to help loosen skin
- The snake seems healthy otherwise (eating, active, etc.)
As long as the biting is infrequent, gentle, and causes no injuries, it is likely normal behavior. Still monitor your snake closely and record any changes to share with your exotic vet.
While the occasional nip may be nothing to worry about, recurrent or aggressive self-biting requires prompt veterinary attention. Partnering with an experienced reptile vet can help diagnose and treat issues leading to this concerning symptom.
Preventing Snake Self-Biting Behavior
Proper Husbandry
Providing proper husbandry is key to preventing abnormal self-biting behavior in snakes. This includes having appropriately sized enclosures, proper temperatures and humidity, clean water, a proper day/night light cycle, and an adequate and nutritious diet.
Stress is a major factor that can initiate self-biting, so optimizing their environment helps keep snakes happy and healthy.
Enrichment
Mental stimulation is important for snake welfare. Simple forms of enrichment like providing hides, branches for climbing/perching, and opportunities to explore can help prevent boredom that may lead to self-biting.
Offering puzzle feeders, novel scents, and varying cage furnishings are easy ways to enrich their environment. An enriched habitat provides behavioral opportunities that can redirect self-biting tendencies.
Regular Handling
Many snakes bite themselves due to fear and stress. Regular calm handling sessions help snakes become comfortable with their owners and their environment. Proper handling gives them exercise and mental stimulation. Start with short, gentle handling sessions and slowly work up to longer periods.
Be observant of your snake’s body language to avoid causing additional stress. Reducing overall stress promotes snake well-being and reduces self-biting behavior.
Appropriate Enclosures
Enclosures that are too small or sparse can cause stress and self-biting. Snakes need adequate floor space, climbing opportunities, and hiding places. The Humane Society recommends the minimum enclosure size should be equal to or greater than the adult length of the snake.
Proper caging helps satisfy a snake’s basic needs and prevents problematic behaviors like self-biting. Adding visual barriers also helps shy snakes feel more secure. An appropriate habitat keeps snakes comfortable and less prone to self-biting.
Conclusion
While seeing a snake attack its own body can be disturbing, self-biting behaviors in snakes usually have an underlying cause that pet owners can address. By being observant caretakers, providing proper husbandry, and getting veterinary help when needed, snake self-biting tendencies can often be resolved or prevented through proper care.
