If he conditions you to back off every time he hisses or even looks like he's gonna strike, he wins. I always come at a nervous snake with my hand flat, palm down towards the TOP of his head. Sometimes, if his head is raised this means going at him from a bit behind. Bring your hand down slowly till it touches his head. If he jerks back just be still till he resituates himself and go again from there. Once you've made contact he should calm down. Then gently pick him up with as much of his body in your hand as you can manage. With a larger snake this just means you need to use the other hand to support his lower half. This is what works for me. If you're more comfortable with gloves, by all means use them, but a small ball bite is really not much to fear. God luck.

Quig

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