I'm gonna agree with Dr. Del on this one. Do what makes you comfortable and confident and then switch to no gloves when you're ready. Many people swear that snakes can read your mood so I think its better to go in handling with gloves and confidence then without gloves and fear! And I bet you'll find that after a couple handling sessions you won't need the gloves anymore.
And like he said you definitely don't need to invest into welding gloves or anything else that thick. A pair of winter gloves would suffice.
Ball pythons are very docile creatures but you can't generalize that to each and every snake. They all have their individual differences and you're likely to find one that is more defensive than the next. Just use smooth movements when you scoop you snake up and go from behind the head! Good luck.
Dennis
p.s.
There's nothing wrong with being scared of getting bit. Lord knows I was when I first got a snake. But once it happens it will only rationalize your fear since it really doesn't hurt, like the others said. Its the shock and anticipation that is worse IMO.
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