aggressive female ball python

Question
I have 3 balls (2 females, 1 male).One of the females is a recent addition and is only 3 years old. The others are over 20 years old. About a month ago, I turned the A/C down and observed the new(Cleo)and the male(Houdini) mating. All has been well with all 3 until this morning. I fed all of them and my husband had the 2 girls in his arms. I had the boy in my arms. Cleo crawled to me and Houdini and as soon as she touched him, her movements became jerky and she started striking at my husband and the dog. I put her and Houdini back in the cage and she acted very agitated, pushing hide box around and wanting to strike at anything that moved. 30  minutes later Houdini and Cleo are mating again. Is this a mating behavior that makes her aggressive? She was fine until she came into contact with Houdini. She has shown no aggression at the older female(Bobo)at all. Did not see this aggression when Bobo and Houdini mated. Appreciate any info you have and look forward to hearing back from you. Thanks, Kellie

Answer
Hi Kellie
YES, that is very common behavior in some female and male snakes when they are ready to mate or have been mating.  My breeding female kingsnake does the exact same thing during that time.  Do not be alarmed.  Eventually she will calm down when mating ceases or eggs are laid. In the meantime, I would leave her alone for awhile. She is very "possessive" of her mate :-)