3 Ways To Pick Up A Snake - WikiHow

Home » How To Pick Up A Snake » 3 Ways To Pick Up A Snake - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Pick up a Snake PDF download Download Article Plus, learn to identify common venomous snakes Co-authored by Jeff Jensen

Last Updated: February 14, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Picking Up a Snake by Hand
    • |
  • Using a Snake Hook or Tongs
    • |
  • Identifying North American Venomous Snakes
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Jeff Jensen. Jeff Jensen is a Reptile Specialist and the Owner of The Reptile Zone out of Bend, Oregon. With decades of experience with reptiles and wildlife, Jeff specializes in providing advice and guidance on proper reptile care. As a former science teacher and employee of the San Antonio Zoo and an accomplished herpetologist, Jeff’s dedication to knowledge and ethical pet trade practices led to The Reptile Zone being awarded a “Mark of Excellence” Award by Intrepid Marketing in 2018. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 117,564 times.

Snakes are a type of legless reptile found on every continent in the world except for Antarctica.[1] If you see a snake in your yard or in a public place (anywhere people might be exposed to danger), call animal control immediately and do not attempt to handle or approach the snake.[2] If you can identify the snake, and if you have experience handling snakes, you may be able to capture it for research or relocation purposes. You should only pick up a snake with great caution and a strong knowledge of how to identify a snake so that you can ensure that it is not venomous. You will also need to take great care not to harm the snake, as handling it could be very stressful. In some places it is illegal to interfere with a snake, including catching or handling snakes, so be sure to check with local animal protection laws before attempting to handle any wild animal.[3]

How to Pick Up Snakes: A Quick Guide

Put on thick gloves. Distract the snake with a long, thin object. Grab the snake’s tail with your other hand. Alternatively, use a snake hook or tongs. Quickly lift the snake and move or contain it. Do not attempt to pick up or move a venomous snake.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Picking Up a Snake by Hand

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Ensure it's not venomous. 1 Ensure it's not venomous. You should never attempt to pick up a venomous snake under any circumstance. If, however, you're absolutely certain that a snake is not venomous, it may be safe to catch the snake by hand. [4]
    • Never attempt to handle any snake you cannot identify with 100 percent certainty.
  2. Step 2 Wear thick gloves. 2 Wear thick gloves. If you're intent on picking up a snake that you've confirmed is not venomous, you should wear a thick pair of gloves (sturdy garden gloves may suffice). Just because the snake's bite will not kill you doesn't mean you should chance getting a painful bite.
    • Even a non-venomous snake's bite can be dangerous. All snakes have bacteria in their mouths which, if you are bitten, could penetrate the skin and lead to an infection.[5]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Distract the snake. 3 Distract the snake. As you approach the snake, you should distract it to ensure that it will not turn and strike you. Try to distract the snake away from your reaching hand with a long, sturdy object, like a long tree branch, a wooden yard stick, or a household fire poker. [6]
    • Keep the tool low to the ground and near the snake's head. This should distract the snake, as it will think the object is a potential threat.
  4. Step 4 Pick up the snake. 4 Pick up the snake. Using your other hand (which, again, should be gloved), grab the snake's tail and lift it quickly. You should keep the majority of the snake's body flat on the ground until your grip is secure. Then you can use the long tool to lift the front part of the snake's body.[7]
    • Alternately, you can drop an old shirt, towel, or thin blanket over the snake, scoop it up in the fabric, and gently drop the whole bundle into a pillowcase. You can then relocate the snake to a safe outdoor area away from people. This method is more dangerous, though, since you cannot see where the snake's head is, and it may bite you through the fabric.
    • If using a pillowcase, gently shake the pillowcase by the opening to ensure the snake is at the very bottom. If you must set the snake down, be sure you either twist the opening or flip it over on top of the rest of the pillowcase so that the snake cannot easily escape.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using a Snake Hook or Tongs

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Confirm it's not venomous. 1 Confirm it's not venomous. No matter how you intend to pick up a snake, you should always ensure that it is not venomous. A venomous snake can strike quickly, and if you're anything short of a professional you could fall victim to its dangerous bite. [8]
  2. Step 2 Have your tool on-hand. 2 Have your tool on-hand. Whether you're using a snake hook or snake tongs, you should have the tool ready and on-hand before you approach the snake. You should also have a temporary container ready and close by so that you can gently place the snake inside once you catch it.
    • Some snakes are fast-moving and will not stay on a snake hook for more than a few seconds. If you cannot safely catch the snake and deposit it (gently) into the temporary container, you may want to consider using tongs, or leaving it to a professional.
    • If you feel comfortable using an intact pillowcase as a transport container, that should suffice. If the snake is outdoors, or is too large or aggressive for a pillow case, you may want to use something sturdier like an empty garbage can.
    • Be cautious if using snake tongs. These tools can be difficult for an inexperienced catcher to use, and could result in the snake being injured or even killed.
  3. Step 3 Lift the snake. 3 Lift the snake. If you're using a hook, carefully slip the hook underneath the snake's body. If using snake tongs, you should be able to simply grasp the snake using the tongs. No matter which tool you use, you should move quickly and carefully for both your own safety and the snake's.[9]
    • For smaller snakes, grab or lift the snake around the middle of its body or lower. For larger snakes, grab or lift the snake approximately 1/3 of the way down its body from the head.
    • You should never grab a snake by the neck, as this could cause serious injury and may make the snake struggle and bite you.
  4. Step 4 Move or contain the snake. 4 Move or contain the snake. If you're trying to move the snake a short distance, you may be able to simply carry it to the desired location. Otherwise, you should put the snake into a container to transport it or await for professional animal control personnel.
    • For smaller snakes, an intact pillowcase may suffice. Otherwise, use a deep bucket or, even better, a sturdy (and empty) garbage can.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Identifying North American Venomous Snakes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Recognize a rattlesnake. 1 Recognize a rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes are fairly easy to recognize. Not all venomous snakes have a rattle, but rattlesnakes - one of the four most common venomous snakes in North America - do have this distinctive feature. A rattlesnake will typically warn you when you get too close by shaking its tail, producing the distinctive "rattle" sound.
    • There are over a dozen distinct species of rattlesnake across North America alone. Knowing which species inhabit which geographical regions in the country will help you narrow down which species you're dealing with.
    • Rattlesnakes also have a triangle-shaped head, which may make them fairly recognizable.
    • Depending on the species and its environment, fully-grown rattlesnakes can range from one foot in length to eight feet in length.
    • Rattlesnakes can live in forests, grasslands, swamps, deserts, and can also swim across bodies of water.
  2. Step 2 Identify a cottonmouth/water moccasin. 2 Identify a cottonmouth/water moccasin. The cottonmouth snake (also known as a water moccasin) is the only venomous water snake in North America. However, they are semi-aquatic, meaning cottonmouths can inhabit both aquatic and terrestrial habitats as needed. The most distinctive features of the cottonmouth are its head and mouth. The head is blocky and triangular, and the mouth (should you see it open) has white coloration on the inside.[10] Many cottonmouths also have a distinct white, raccoon-like "mask," and an elliptical eye shape.
    • Cottonmouths can range in a number of colors, from copper/brown to black to green. Their coloration may be solid, spotty/blotchy, or in distinct bands.
    • The native range of cottonmouth snakes is confined to the southeastern United States.
  3. Step 3 Spot a copperhead. 3 Spot a copperhead. Copperhead snakes have a similar appearance to cottonmouths, but their colors tend to be brighter. Many copperheads have a burnt copper to bright orange coloration, but some are silvery, pink, or even peach-colored.[11]
    • Copperheads have a triangular head, whereas their look-alike the corn snake has a more oval-shaped head.
  4. Step 4 Recognize a coral snake. 4 Recognize a coral snake. Coral snakes are from the cobra family. They typically have long, slender bodies, and their heads are marked by large scales. There are two species of coral snake commonly found in North America: the eastern coral snake and the western coral snake.[12]
    • The western coral snake has a distinct banded color pattern: red on white on black, running the length of its body.[13]
    • The eastern coral snake has a similar coloration, only its pattern is red on yellow on black.[14]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Where is the best place to pick up a new snake? Jeff Jensen Jeff Jensen Reptile Specialist Jeff Jensen is a Reptile Specialist and the Owner of The Reptile Zone out of Bend, Oregon. With decades of experience with reptiles and wildlife, Jeff specializes in providing advice and guidance on proper reptile care. As a former science teacher and employee of the San Antonio Zoo and an accomplished herpetologist, Jeff’s dedication to knowledge and ethical pet trade practices led to The Reptile Zone being awarded a “Mark of Excellence” Award by Intrepid Marketing in 2018. Jeff Jensen Jeff Jensen Reptile Specialist Expert Answer It's always a good idea to approach a new snake from the rear. Pick it up first from its backside, then slide your hand to the front. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 14
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

  • Always distract the snake. Even if it's non venomous, that doesn't mean that you will not be hurt by the snake's bite. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
  • Try to identify the type of snake you are dealing with before you attempt to handle it. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • If you are unsure what kind of snake you're dealing with, or if you do not feel you can safely catch/handle the snake, call an expert - you can find the number for your local animal control agency in the phone book or online. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • If you or someone you know is bitten by a snake, try to remember the color, shape, and size of the snake. If at all possible, take a photograph with a camera or cellphone. Try to remain calm, sit or lay down with the bite below heart level, and cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing. Then seek medical attention immediately, as time may be limited. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
  • All snakes are capable of biting, as all snakes are carnivorous. A venomous snake's bite could be deadly. If you cannot properly identify a snake, or if you do not think you can safely handle one, avoid trying to do so at all costs. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1
  • If you pick up a snake, whether by hand or using a tool, it may panic. When it panics, it could thrash around and squirm, or it could turn quickly and try to strike you. Either way, you should always proceed with extreme caution. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • A guide to venomous snakes or a snake expert
  • Thick gloves
  • Snake tongs or a snake hook
  • A container to transport the snake

You Might Also Like

Catch a SnakeHow toCatch a Snake Survive an Encounter With a SnakeHow toSurvive an Encounter With a Snake Identify a Venomous SnakeHow toIdentify a Venomous Snake Differentiate Between Venomous and Non‐Venomous SnakesHow toDifferentiate Between Venomous and Non‐Venomous Snakes Identify SnakesHow toIdentify Snakes Trap a SnakeHow toTrap a Snake Tell the Difference Between a Milk Snake and a Coral SnakeHow toTell the Difference Between a Milk Snake and a Coral Snake Tell the Difference Between a King Snake and a Coral SnakeThe Key Differences Between a King Snake and a Coral Snake Hold a SnakeHow toHold a Snake Identify a Timber RattlesnakeHow toIdentify a Timber Rattlesnake Find a SnakeHow toFind a Snake Pick Up a Snapping TurtleHow toPick Up a Snapping Turtle Identify a Baby Copperhead SnakeBaby Copperhead Snake Identification: 6 Things to Look For Deal With a Snake in the HouseHow toDeal With a Snake in the House Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals/snake.html
  2. ↑ https://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/snakebite.asp
  3. ↑ https://vetmed.illinois.edu/hospital/wildlife-medical-clinic/wmc-blog/snakes
  4. ↑ https://vetmed.illinois.edu/hospital/wildlife-medical-clinic/wmc-blog/snakes
  5. ↑ https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/cmr.00041-10
  6. ↑ https://accesspd.co.za/blog/snake-hooks-vs-snake-tongs
  7. ↑ https://accesspd.co.za/blog/snake-hooks-vs-snake-tongs
  8. ↑ https://wildlifecenter.org/help-advice/managing-wildlife-conflicts-and-habitats/snakes-neighbors
  9. ↑ https://wildlifecenter.org/help-advice/managing-wildlife-conflicts-and-habitats/snakes-neighbors
More References (5)
  1. ↑ https://seaworld.org/animals/facts/reptiles/florida-cottonmouth/
  2. ↑ https://snake.oplin.org/snakes/copperhead-snake-northern
  3. ↑ https://www.pitt.edu/~mcs2/herp/SoNA.html
  4. ↑ https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_coral_snake.php
  5. ↑ https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_coral_snake.php

About This Article

Jeff Jensen Co-authored by: Jeff Jensen Reptile Specialist This article was co-authored by Jeff Jensen. Jeff Jensen is a Reptile Specialist and the Owner of The Reptile Zone out of Bend, Oregon. With decades of experience with reptiles and wildlife, Jeff specializes in providing advice and guidance on proper reptile care. As a former science teacher and employee of the San Antonio Zoo and an accomplished herpetologist, Jeff’s dedication to knowledge and ethical pet trade practices led to The Reptile Zone being awarded a “Mark of Excellence” Award by Intrepid Marketing in 2018. This article has been viewed 117,564 times. 10 votes - 78% Co-authors: 15 Updated: February 14, 2025 Views: 117,564 Categories: Snakes Article SummaryX

To pick up a snake, start by putting on thick gloves in case the snake bites you, even if the snake is not venomous. Next, use a long tree branch or yard stick to wave near the snake’s head, which will keep it distracted as you approach it. Once the snake is distracted by the stick, grab its tail with your other hand and lift it quickly. You can also use the branch or stick to lift the front part of the snake’s body. Finally, remove the snake to the desired location or place it in a secure container to transport it. For advice from our Veterinary co-author on how to identify a venomous snake, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languagesSpanish
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 117,564 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jeff Jensen Co-authored by: Jeff Jensen Reptile Specialist 10 votes - 78% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 15 Updated: February 14, 2025 Views: 117,564

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizGuess the Animal Photo QuizGuess the Animal Photo QuizTake QuizAnimal Riddle QuizAnimal Riddle QuizTake QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Catch a SnakeHow toCatch a SnakeSurvive an Encounter With a SnakeHow toSurvive an Encounter With a SnakeIdentify a Venomous SnakeHow toIdentify a Venomous SnakeDifferentiate Between Venomous and Non‐Venomous SnakesHow toDifferentiate Between Venomous and Non‐Venomous Snakes

Featured Articles

Exercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?

Featured Articles

Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color QuizWhat Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas

Featured Articles

100+ Creative Ways to Say Good Night100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their Benefits

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & Beyond30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)Which of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson) Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?What School Subject Are You?

Quizzes & Games

Finish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizTake QuizWould You Survive the Escaped Hungry Dinosaurs at Jurassic World?Would You Survive the Escaped Hungry Dinosaurs at Jurassic World?PlayAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizName That Dinosaur QuizName That Dinosaur QuizTake QuizWhat Mythical Creature Am I QuizWhat Mythical Creature Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Pets and Animals
  • Reptiles
  • Snakes
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --564

Tag » How To Pick Up A Snake