I with you on that, Jamie. If my hands on a snake's neck it's because I'm controlling them and I'm gripping good and firm so they can't nail me. Our snakes are conditioned over time to know that a gentle stroke well down their back third means they are coming out for handling. We don't do that however until we quickly assess if the snake is an attitude that will allow that. If the snake is obviously hyped up and looking to strike, I'm not stroking nuthin'. LOL