A lot of snakes revert to this behavior if not held for a long time. They can be "tamed" back down with regular handling. I am not totally sure on what you can do about your fear of the snake's aggressive display. I would say just pick it up with something like a pillow case or gloves or something else that could help you work your way back up to simply grabbing the snake.
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Andy Maddox
AIM: thekingofproduct
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Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

"Some things will never change. They just stand there looking backwards. Half-unconsious from the pain. They may seem rearranged. In the backwater swirling. There is something that'll never change-The Meat Puppets"