I had a friend visit me who has never been exposed to snakes. She had never touched one, so her fear was simply unfamiliarity. She was receptive and curious, so we went for it. I brought my little Zola out and let my friend touch her while I held her, and then asked her if she would like to hold the snake. She was tentative, but she did it! She was afraid of being bitten, which we may all chuckle at knowing from experience that ball pythons are about as docile as a garden hose, but for people who don't, it's a real fear. So I rested Zola's end with the teeth in my own hand while my friend held the back. When she got comfortable, I let go of the front half. Zola slowly curled back to climb up my friend's hand and she gasped and froze, but was very calm. I assured her the snake would not bite her and was merely curious.

I was so proud of her, she went from fear to learning and experiencing. She said my snake did not feel anything like what she expected, and she was surprised at how strong they feel. It was just really awesome, seeing that the misunderstanding is truly just born out of a lack of exposure. I don't think my friend is ever going to run out and buy a snake, but just seeing that she was willing to meet one and learn was really fun.

Using the gentle approach with people really works, and feeling them out. I would never put my snake into the hands of someone who was going to flip out and drop it. But when someone is curious and the encounter is on their terms, it can be really productive! Anyway, just wanted to share!