The first time I handled a snake was a python Joe's folks had named Monty (har, har, yeah ^_^). He was blind in one eye but basically friendly (insofar as snakes can be said to be friendly?). I was, however, alarmed when he tried to dart up my pants leg--it was dead of winter in upstate New York, Joe's dad never turns up the heat, and that poor snake was cold. I was rescued from the heat-seeking snake. ;)