I'm sure this has been asked before, but does the snake constrictor animal companion get the +4 bonus to grapple from having the grab ability? So a 1st level snake constrictor with agile maneuvers could have a +8 to grapple? Also, does the grab ability in this case provoke or does it count as an attack (special attack)?
If it gains grab, it also gains the +4. They go hand in hand, always.
does the grab ability in this case provoke or does it count as an attack (special attack)?
Grab (Ex) If a creature with this special attack hits with the indicated attack (usually a claw or bite attack), it deals normal damage and attempts to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
Creatures with the grab special attack receive a +4 bonus on combat maneuver checks made to start and maintain a grapple.
Starts with grab. :) Also goes large at 4th...
Still wondering about the AoO.
I'm also curious how most GMs would adjucate it using grab all the time without a handle animal check.
If it has grab, it ignores AoOs, as the grab abilities says.
Isn't their nature to grab and you know...constrict things?
Ok, that's awesome, just wanted to make sure I was doing it right. Thank you.
You'll want to be aware that despite what some old printings of the Bestiary say, Grab works on creatures up to your own size (unless the creature's description overrides it). This makes the low level constrictor much more useful/deadly. Do note that you only get the free grab when the snake attacks somebody with its bite and hits. If the snake tries to start a grapple without biting it will still take an AoO.
A snake with 3 INT could presumably take Improved Unarmed Strike and Improved Grapple to avoid the AoO for grappling without biting first. Then it could take Greater Grapple and constrict twice per round. This may cause your DM to grapple you in real life though.