αCaMKII autophosphorylation controls exploratory activity to threatening novel stimuli

► We explore αCaMKII autophosphorylation and anxiety-like behavior toward threat. ► We used a battery of behavioral tests to disentangle anxiety and hyperlocomotion. ► αCaMKII autophosphorylation deficient mice cannot simply be described as less anxious. ► αCaMKII autophosphorylation controls locomotor activity to novel environments but not stimuli.