Step 1 Let your cat flush out a snake. Any snake will do but, psychologically the "gardener" snakes are best.
Step 2 Scream loudly for your Papa to come and rescue the snake from the clutches of your cat.
Step 3 Frantically locate one of your "snake jars" with help from your Mama or your Papa
Step 4 Begin your side lecture to your younger brother. Your topics should include, but should not be limited to: general safety with glass jars, cold blooded reptiles and proper temperatures for them, collection of habitat decor, snake safety, not looking too long at the snake....etc. etc. etc. ...
*Please note that Steps 1 through 4 have left a certain 7 year old with absolutely no actual physical contact with specimen.
*Also note that is completely acceptable to ignore your mother's calls to take note of the earthquake that is shaking the house because you have a freaking snake in a jar. (true story that.)
Step 5 to... whenever your parents have had enough and release the snake before it dies of fright or suffers internal injuries from your brother shaking the jars when you are not looking.
Some additional tips:
>You may, at some point, cautiously reach out and lay the veeereee tip of a single finger on the snake. (While Papa holds it of course. A good Herpetologist never actually holds the snake. Are you mad?!)
>Taking time to sit and draw a lifelike portrait of your specimen to be laid along side it's release spot is always a nice touch. A Hostess Gift of sorts.
>Just enjoy your time spent with one of nature's most squiggly members.
This post brought to you by a Papa that has loved snakes since he was a boy with a snake in a jar himself. All those looonnngg years ago.
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