how to get my snake to be less aggressive?

[Sammy]

I have had a king snake( unknown gender) for about three years and handle him not very frequently but he has always been very calm and has only bitten me twice. the first time was the first day I got him and I was spreading new bedding in his tank and he bit me, probably because the movement of my hand freaked him out. the second time was about a year later I had him around my neck and I moved my arm really fast and I scared him again, both times it was barely a scratch and nothing more. now in this past week(I fed him 3 days ago) I have been trying to handle him more, get him more active and today when I had him around my neck while I was on my computer( I always do this- he's fine with it) he started to tighten up and then out of nowhere he struck at my arm and bit me. I didn't really know what to do because he never does this and he started to strike at my arm so I put a blanket over his head and put him back in his tank. He has never been this aggressive and I don't know what to do. any help is appreciated.

[Kim R]

It can be in the nature of the snake to be aggressive. King snakes are known to sometimes be this way, so you may be stuck with a snake just being itself. Sorry!

[Christopher]

Studies have shown that the more you handle your snake the less aggressive they are. Like wise if you do not handle them that much they will start to become aggressive. This is because they are not use to being handled much and it freaks them out. As far as the fast movements this will scare them as well which is why your snake has been striking at you. Try to handle your king at least 2-3 times a week. I had this issue with my king and now she is very gentle. Check out my facebook page at Corn Snake Facts and Questions. I know it says corn snakes. I have years of experience with corn, milk, and king snakes. On this page you will learn a lot of information on them. You can post pics of your snake as well as post any questions you may have. I hope to see you on this page!