I encounter snakes fairly regularly here in west central Texas, usually checkered garters, western coachwhips, bull snakes, Texas (Western booo!) Rat snakes, and Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes. I've seen so many at this point I usually just watch them for a few seconds and then go about my day. If I have someone with me, then I may interact with the animal for a few minutes to take advantage of a teaching opportunity, or if it's a rattlesnake call asking for removal, I'll do that.



I usually have a small hook, short set of tongs (Animal Equipment by Stoney can't be beat), a couple pillow cases, and a vented 5 gal bucket near by. It's extremely rare that I'll actually collect anything these days, but I stay ready just in case I stumble upon something I "need".



For venomous, I do not handle in any way unless I must. It's hooks all the way. If something needs to be relocated, it's a simple scoop it up and lift into a bucket. For harmless but cranky animals, maybe a hook, maybe tongs, and maybe my hands. For little things like rats and garters, I just grab them because even their worst bites are basically nothing.



I think it's vitally important to know exactly what you are looking at before interacting with it. I hate, HATE all the FB posts of people holding a snake behind the head and asking what it is. These people are stupid beyond measure.



You're 100% right about education and calm observation being important. Education changes everything and a person that can't be calm is a total liability.



I'm in a situation where I'm pretty spun up on my local herps and I've been memorizing field guides since I was a kid. If I was anywhere that I was unsure about some of the snakes in the area, I'd absolutely have the best field guide I could find and again, not interact with any animal if I couldnt identify it.

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