The worst I've heard a BP do is make people black out when around their necks when they feel like they're falling off. That's pretty rare, and I don't think BPs pose much danger at all.
It is true that they should be respected because they're still wild animals, and if they bite or injure someone due to the fault of humans they will still be the ones to pay the price.
That being said, constrictors should be handled with care. BPs can't do much to constrict you by accident or on purpose because they are easy to overpower. But that endangers the animal, so its best not to get into situations like that.
If you're a smaller person and nervous about overpowering a snake that can get to 5 feet, just try not to get yourself into a situation where that could happen.
I'm not small, but for the safety of my BP I make sure he never completes a circle around my neck (it works well to keep your chin pressed to your neck/chest so he doesn't wrap all the way around) and feels supported at all times when handling so he doesn't feel the need to tighten his grip.
I still receive the whole "your snake is sizing you up" "all he wants to do is eat you 24/7" type of thing from family and friends. Maybe try explaining something like that your BP couldn't even eat your hand, never mind all of you. Although suggesting your snake eating your hand probably won't help to settle down the menacing tone towards snakes
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