Worst bite I've had to date came as a result of me petting my dachshund, and then handling a snake. (By the way, neither of the two aforementioned actions are metaphores, for those of you who may be snickering.) My daughter handed me a large female to hold while she was cleaning her space. I had her in one hand and my other was about 6" in front of her face. She nailed me hard enough that it bruised and I pulled three teeth out of my hand a few days later when they started coming to the surface. I think the scent of the dog, coupled with the heat signature of my hand, made it the perfect target. Now I always wash my hands before I handle the snakes just to be safe.