Child Shows Courage With Docile Corn Snake Encounter in Video

• In a viral video, a young boy confidently holds a fast-moving corn snake for the first time, showing fearlessness and curiosity and leaving followers impressed and amused
• Corn snakes are non-venomous constrictors, often mistaken for venomous snakes due to their striking appearance, and they are known for their calm nature
• The video sparked a range of reactions, from laughter to playful debates about snakes in the home, and even joking about using corn snakes for pest control

In a heartwarming Facebook video, a young boy shows off his bravery as he holds a fast-moving corn snake.

This video shows this child confidently holding the harmless reptile, which is known for its calm nature. The caption reads:

“This was his 1st time trying to hold such a fast-moving snake. Don’t worry, guys, this is just a corn snake. It’s completely harmless to people, including young kids like him.”

Read also

Hikers and campers' survival guide: Snake safety tips that could save your life

The video posted on 24 September 2025 has attracted a wave of attention, with some followers expressing amusement at the boy's courage and others commenting on the child's natural comfort around snakes, likely influenced by growing up in a household familiar with them.

What is a corn snake?

According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, corn snakes are non-venomous. Recognisable by their slender bodies and striking orange, brown, yellow or red in colour, they are often mistaken for venomous snakes. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, corn snakes are shy, non-aggressive, and completely harmless to humans.

These snakes play an important role in controlling rodent populations, helping to prevent crop damage and the spread of diseases. Typically living 10 to 15 years in the wild, corn snakes are popular pets due to their calm nature and manageable size.

Children often show no fear

Samukelo_Shabane regularly posts snake content and shared the video capturing the child's innocent curiosity and calmness, serving as a reminder that not all fears are universal. Whether it's the fascination with reptiles or the nurturing environment he has grown up in, the clip is a great example of how children's perspectives can shape our understanding of the world.

Read also

Baboons stole dessert straight from a home and left South Africans both laughing and shocked

Thebe Mathebe commented:

"Perfect 👌👌🫶🫶💕💞"

Bukiwe Jaxa said:

"Samukelo_Shabane hahha get it man."

Khanya Lolly Jake Joubert wrote:

"This is a new snake 🐍"

Mduduzi Nkosi stated:

"Your snakes are so docile...😍😍"

Wendy Lebese wrote:

"🤣🤣🤣🤣HE'S SO CUTE! KIDS INDEED FEAR WHAT WE FEAR, YOU CAN TELL HE GREW UP AROUND YOU ❤️"

Mazokulunga Magwaza stated:

"We need such snakes all over JHB to control rats 🐀 The government should look into this ✊🏾"

Samukelo_Shabane answered:

"Mazokulunga Magwaza 😅That’s impossible... It’s better to have rats than snakes around."

Watch the Facebook video below:

3 More Briefly News snake stories

• A 30-year-old farmer from Aurora in the Western Cape survived a puff adder bite without venom being injected because quick thinking and following medical advice helped prevent further damage.
• As warmer weather brought more people outdoors, a snake expert shared safety tips for avoiding dangerous mountain snakes like puff adders, mambas, and cobras.
• A house cat spotted a snake near a building wall and refused to let it escape, engaging in an intense battle that lasted several minutes.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News