Yer well my friends you can hold a little bit but the Male completely freaks when it sees a hand, might be because they have been in a pet shop when they have not been with so much contact as many others. That's why i prefer to buy from breeders because they seem to be the best pets as they are very placid and rarely freak or bite. I got my Imbricata (SW Carpet Python) of a breeder and has only ever bitten me once-it was my fault i was feeding her and i dropped the rat and she attacked my finger thinking it was the rat, She is extremely gentle! Loves being held and enjoys playing in the sun. I love that Carpet to much LOL