Snake hooks work great! That's what we use sometimes to get ours out of their tank if they seem to have an attitude. Once they're out, they calm down. I'm also going to suggest something most people will disagree with and that's feeding in a different enclosure. Maybe your snake is confusing your hand with food. We feed all of ours in different enclosures and have never had any problems (we also started out doing this when they were babies, so it's what they are used to). It may not work on an older snake, but anything is worth a try. You also have to show him who's the boss...YOU ARE! If he strikes and you leave him alone, he knows to do it again if he don't want to be held. I, personally, haven't been bit yet, so I can only imagine that it would startle you. I believe that all snakes have different things that work for them and their owners and you just have to find what works. Try the things others suggested until you find something that works. Good news is (from what I've heard)....the bite doesn't hurt as bad as the startle of having a snake strike at you. Good luck!
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