Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted a video on social media showing him handling two black racer snakes with his bare hands in Florida, while his wife Cheryl Hines urged him to put the snakes down.

The incident occurred during a visit to Dr. Mehmet Oz’s home and the clip quickly went viral, drawing millions of views within hours.

CNN Newsource contributed to the reporting, providing context about the snakes’ behavior and noting the source of the coverage.

Dr. Oz asked what kind of snakes they were and Kennedy identified them as nonvenomous black racers, reiterating they were not venomous.

Experts from the Florida Museum of Natural History say North American racers are not dangerous to people or pets, though they may bite in self-defense.

Herpetologists caution that handling wildlife can stress the animals and advise against grabbing by the tail, noting the snakes can bite but are not venomous or life-threatening.

Wildlife experts emphasize minimizing handling duration and avoiding unsafe handling practices, aligning with standard wildlife welfare guidance.

Experts warn that Kennedy’s handling method is not advised by professionals and highlight the stress on wildlife from such encounters.

Black racers are common in the region and encounters usually end without incident when people observe from a distance.

The incident underscores risks of wildlife interaction in residential Florida and reinforces guidance to observe from afar and give snakes space.

The piece places Kennedy’s actions in the context of his public persona and past wildlife videos, noting a history of outdoor animal encounters and controversial stunts.

Cheryl Hines initially mistook the snakes for venomous moccasins, prompting alarm before their non-venomous nature was clarified.