Being bit is always a possibility. Personally, I find it more important to keep my own reaction in check to make sure I don't accidentally drop the snake or flick it away on reflex. The bites really don't hurt a person, but it's very possible whatever your reaction is could hurt a young snake. That being said, BP's are traditionally very docile and not usually prone to biting. Sure, you may have a few nippy individuals but you'll recognize those ones pretty quick, and then there's the feeding response that may herald an incoming bite. Honestly, whenever Kirby or Chelsea look at my hand like food, I just use the other hand to pick them up from around the middle and they calm right down.