#53 Hold a snake ✔

I'm currently studying Animal Management at Oaklands College, and I had the privileged to complete one of the goals on my list. During various of my lessons I got to hold a wide variety of reptiles; one of which was a snake. Below is a picture of me holding my very first snake (Python). At first I wore gloves out of fear and protocol, but as this post goes on you'll notice that the gloves have come off, and that I begin to feel more comfortable around these vicious yet mellow creatures.

There are various reasons as to why I wanted to hold a snake but I guess my main reason is because I'm a believer in human betterment, and developing oneself. So I decided that as snakes are/were one of my biggest fears I decided to face it. Snakes are animals after all and if we treat them with respect the feeling is USUALLY the feeling of respect is reciprocated.

When dealing with snakes it's important to remain calm and to hold a steady hand. Animals are capable of sensing fear and if they now you are afraid they will quickly understand they have the upper hand to strike if they so wish. Also remaining calm will allow for you to hold the snake correctly making them feel comfortable and secure which will allow the snake not to feel afraid itself. If the snake doesn't feel scared it most probably wont strike.

The two pictures to the right show me holding a baby python, and an albino corn snake, this was about a year after after holding my first snake. I have gotten more comfortable with the idea of holding a predatory creature. I no longer feel fear when picking on up, or while it glides up my arm and sometimes round my neck haha. Sometimes I'll even let it wrap itself completely around my wrist and i'll pretend its a new piece of jewelry.

In conclusion, the key to holding a snake (as I was told throughout my lessons) is to pretend your a tree, the snake will then do the rest. Just don't drop it.