Sudden agressive behavior in female ball python

Question
I have a female ball python about 1.5 years old I have kept for about a year. She has always been docile and easy to handle. About a month ago she became more agressive and active in her feeding. For about the last two weeks instead of balling up when I move her hide box to remove her, she assumes a striking position and will strike at anything that moves. She is about 3 feet long, I feed her an adult mouse weekly. The last two weeks I have fed her in her tank instead of her seperate feeding tank because frankly her changed behavior startles and frightens me a bit and I fear to pick her up. Am I feeding her enough? I have no other snakes. It is August, could this be related to breeding behavior? This is my first snake. Any help would be much appreciated.

Answer
Hi Leon,
  I think you are feeding her enough. It is hard to tell why snakes turn like that. I have a female D'Alberts python that did the same thing, nice for years and now she tries to take my head off anytime I go near her. I suggest a couple of things. First off, do not be afraid of her. I get bitten by snakes at least 500 time a year and have no ill effects. Secondly, try a pair of work gloves to handle her initially until she settles down some. Most of the time, they will smell the leather work glove and will not strike it. Just keep working with her and chances are, she will come around.