How to Catch a Snake

Have you ever wondered how the professionals on TV catch snakes so easily? Do you want to get one out of your garden without hurting it? Or do you just think it would be cool to catch and get a close look at such a fascinating creature? Snakes are indeed fascinating, and although they can be dangerous, can be handled with care using basic items you can find around the house or garden.

Steps

1. Be sure the snake isn't venomous. You don't want your first attempt at snake catching to end in a disaster! Observe the snake--its length, its colors, and other distinguishing features. Identify the species by using a search engine (e.g. +snake+red+yellow+"North Carolina"). If you are at all uncertain of what kind of snake it is, and are worried it might be venomous, call the local animal shelter as soon as possible and let them know before anyone gets hurt.  

2. Get a stick or other long slender object, or whatever you have at hand.

3. Distract the snake with the stick. Firmly grasp its tail and lift the snake upwards, leaving the front part of its body on the ground, but keeping your legs and own body as far away as possible.  

4. Place the end of the stick under the front half of the snake. Lift the front half of the body off the ground. This will keep the snake calmer than if you grabbed its head, and will also let you control the snake's position easily.  

5. Release the snake into a new area with plenty of places to hide such as a stone wall or some bushes. 'Aim' the snakes head toward the hiding places, and release the tail. The snake will immediately seek shelter to escape the 'predator' that picked it up. 

6. Wash your hands well--snakes and other reptiles sometimes carry bacteria. While usually a minor concern, there have been examples of serious illness and even death in humans who have handled reptiles that carry the bacteria.  

7. Notice that younger snakes bite more frequently when they are startled or scared.