My leucistic TX ratsnake was nippy when I first took her in. I overcame my fears and handled her using two tools. First is latex dishwashing gloves with gauntlets (longer than past the wrist). And the second is a small telescoping snake hook. Reach in with hook to just lift her body about 1/3 the way down her body, then reach in for her. She'll get that it isn't food. Any time I reach into an enclosure I am concerned that the snake might think "food!!" so I don't usually reach in without a hook and I've never been caught off guard.

Though it has been more than 6 months since you posted this, so by now your animal may have settled down. It often just takes time and a little bit of handling for them to have confidence.