Some snake handlers do not expect that God will prevent the snakes from biting them or keep them from dying.

For most snake handlers, the act appears to be not so much a test of faith as a way of confirming the Word.

Often, snake handlers are bitten who are unaware that this species is able to bite while being held by the neck.

You're lucky I didn't get a job as a snake handler.

The play is about snake handlers," he continues - "but please write that there will be no snakes in the production.

Crowds would form to witness the snake handlers.

"An odd name for a snake handler," said either Damon or Pythias.

Like a gaggle of snake handlers, they'd learned that.

Most snake handlers preach against any use of tobacco or alcohol.

Another snake handler died in 2006 at a church in Kentucky.