Wayne--
From what I have seen on the TV show, they are pretty confident when handling the critters!
I don't know if any of them has been bitten but would not be surprised!
So much of what they deal with is due to people building out into wild country as cities expand. Then people don't "like" having snakes, bears, whatever in their back yards!
I have not seen poisonous snakes in our development which is not on the edge of wild country, but there is plenty of undeveloped land and waterways where they might hang out. I tell neighbors do not kill the black snakes because they help control poisonous snakes, and to call somebody to remove any poisonous snakes if they see them.
The most prolific new species around here are the African rock lizards that I am sure goes after anoles, all insects, bird nests, whatever. People don't think they are harmful...but what they eat is removed from the ecosystem.
Larry
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Larry W. Williams
RKCC #CM-041
ABKA #046
RKS #1246