Just to add...while you certainly don't ever want to drop your snake, you need to refrain from holding on too tightly, as that sets off the alarm "predator!"

Snakes learn to recognize both our scent & touch...they just don't all take the same amount of time to relax with us. Stay patient. Remember they don't visually
recognize us when we approach, they assume the worst, so by identifying yourself (scent &/or touch) they'll learn to accept being picked up, but our approach will
always be their least favorite part. Face it...we're scary-looking to a snake! LOL