How to Pick Up and Hold a Snake

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By momose
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Hold the Snake Gently and Confidently

First of all, one must consider that the age-old saying and motto of many that, “The only good snake is a dead snake,” is simply not true!

Many snakes are indispensable to the Earth’s increasingly fragile ecosystems, not to mention fascinating creatures in their own right.

Perhaps you simply want to look at a snake up close, or you might want a snake for a pet. Knowing how to pick up and hold a snake is a prerequisite for either.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

NEVER pick up a snake that you are not certain is harmless.

You should familiarize yourself with markings, behaviors, and habitats of various snakes before attempting a capture.

Here in the “wilds” of North America there are only four snakes considered lethal or dangerous to humans. These are the water moccasin (distinctive white cottonmouth), rattlesnake (in its extensive diversity), coral snake (red on yellow, kill a fellow), and copperhead (secretive and deadly).

Steer well clear of any of these, but killing only when imminently threatening or an ongoing danger to home and family.
Step 2

Oak Snake from the Wild - Beautiful and Non-Aggressive

When approaching a non-venomous snake that you wish to capture or when picking up a snake already in captivity care should be taken not to alarm the normally shy creature.

While snakes can never be said to “warm” to human contact, they do become less easily frightened or aggressive when handled in a calm and unthreatening manner.

Make no sudden or sharp movements. Extend your hand (or capture stick, if you are still hesitant) slowly toward the snake, trying not to reach toward the head directly.

If you can pick up the snake about midway the length of its body, it will often allow itself to be handled quite docilely.

Once you have committed to picking up the snake, go ahead and do it, casually, confidently and fluidly.
Step 3

Newly Caught Southern Water Snake, Not Yet Famliar - At Arm's Length

Do not bring an unfamiliar or totally wild snake up close to your face, particularly eyes or mouth.

While harmless snakes possess no venom that does not mean that none will bite if provoked or frightened.

This bite can range from the lizard-like nip of a garter snake to the strong clasp of a large rat snake.

If a snake should bite, the best thing is not to jerk immediately away if you can resist. If you remain still the snake will let go, or you can gently pry it away.

*** A little anecdote to demonstrate this concept….. My young grandson, Day, about five years old at the time, was holding his newly acquired juvenile corn snake. I suggested to him that if the snake were to bite he should not jerk his arm away as the snake’s tiny teeth could drag across his skin and possible hurt or draw blood. The snake did latch on to Day’s forearm. Day did not panic. He simply waited for the snake to let go, brushed away two tiny flecks of blood, and then watched as the snake did it again! He waited patiently once again. Afterward the snake never offered to bite again.

Before you decide whether or not to pick up a live snake, ask yourself this question: Can you be as brave as a five-year-old child?