There's a lot of great advice here. One thing I didn't really see mentioned was also be confident in your sessions. Worrying will not only make you warmer thus giving off a stronger heat signature, but you are more prone to accidents. While your snake may strike at you, if you simply take it, you can avoid jerking back and hurting yourself and the snake. Also ime it's not too painful, I have hands down received more damage from cats. Although I do not own and have not handled any HUGE snakes