A Leathery Snake With A Stinging Bite I'll Stay Coiled Up Unless I Must Fight

Answer: The answer is “a whip.” Multiple riddle collections list the solution as a whip for this exact clue set.  Leathery snake: A whip is often made of leather and long, flexible, and sinuous—like a snake. Stinging bite: The crack of a whip delivers a sharp, stinging strike. Coiled up: Whips are commonly stored coiled. Unless I must fight: It stays coiled until it’s needed, then uncoils for use (historically in control, sport, or combat). Source: https://riddles.com/index.php/1378