Missing Ball Python found.

Question
My Ball Python went missing a month ago. There was pressure on the lid so it was virtually impossible for him to lift it, so I thought. I have searched my house at least 3 times a week since then and have had no luck. About an hour ago, my roommate found him in the washing machine. Honestly, I know he is my snake and I shouldn't be scared of him but I am having an anxiety attack when it comes to handling him long enough to get him in an enclosed area. I know that they can sense this and don't know what I should do.

Answer
Hi Kristen,

It's is great to hear you had found your snake. People tend to think weird things when they lose a snake in the house, like is it wild now or does it have any dioceses from a mouse or two it has eaten within the walls.

Your snake is actually fine. It probably missed the ability of just slithering across the tank to get to some heat. It now or should I say had to seek out a heat source. That is certainly why it found the washer. A nice warm moist place to stay.

When it comes to you holding him do things in a slow fashion. Don't get rushed, because you feel like you might get bitten. It does not matter if you lost him or he had never got lost there is and will always be a chance of a bite. Remember though never pull away fast when it does happen. Let your snake realize your not food and if for some odd reason he does not let go run some cold water over him while he is attached.

Hope this helps and again congrats on finding him. Please feel free to visit my site and become a member of the ball python planet forum.

Eric Rovegno
www.ballpythonplanet.com