Sudden fear and self defense mode???

[ideeshay]

I’ve lurked for a while but this will be my first post so, hello everyone!

I’ve had my baby Peanut for about 8 months. He is a generally nervous hamster, easily startled, but tame and very adventurous.

About 20 minutes ago while running around on my bed as usual, his body language changed as suddenly as a light switch flip. He spazzedly whipped his head around from side to side as his body started shaking, jumped onto his hind legs in a bear-like stance, opened his mouth wide and made a hissing sound. He seemed frantic after, as he stressfully ran towards the end of my bed and attempted to jump off.

I have no idea what could’ve caused him to have such a random reaction. There were no sudden sounds or movements at the time of his freakout. It broke my heart to see him so scared. I don’t ever want him to feel unsafe. Can I please get some insight into what this behavior is all about?

[cypher]

It's hard to say, sometimes they hear or sense things that we're not even aware of.
How is he now? If he's settled down again then I wouldn't worry.