Robert F. Kennedy Jr. snatches snakes in viral video
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted a viral video showing him handling two non-venomous black racer snakes bare-handed at the home of CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, sparking mixed reactions online.
- Herpetologists cautioned against Kennedy's method of grabbing snakes by their tails, noting it can injure the animals and cause them stress, despite the species being mostly harmless to humans.
- Kennedy is known for frequent wildlife interactions, including a recent bird rescue at Dulles Airport and a controversial rattlesnake capture video during his 2024 presidential campaign.
- His past actions have drawn criticism, such as admitting to placing a bear carcass in New York’s Central Park as a prank, which he justified by his history of collecting roadkill to feed his falconry birds.
- Experts emphasize minimizing handling time with wild animals to reduce stress and discourage untrained individuals from attempting risky wildlife interactions like those Kennedy has displayed.