Have you ever wondered how the professionals on TV catch snakes so easily? Do you want to get one out of your garden without hurting it? Or do you just think it would be cool to catch and get a close look at such a fascinating creature? Here's how to catch a wild snake safely and humanely.

Method 1
Be sure the snake isn't venomous. You don't want your first attempt at snake catching to end in disaster! Observe the snake--its length, its colors, and other distinguishing features. Identify the species by using a search engine (e.g. +snake +red +yellow +"North Carolina"). If you are at all uncertain of what kind of snake it is, and are worried it might be venomous, call the local animal shelter ASAP and let them know before anyone gets hurt.
Get a stick, or whatever you have at hand.
Hold the stick in view of the snake as a distraction. Snakes can only concentrate on one thing at a time. With its eyes on the object in front of it, the snake won't be as concerned with you, especially if you stand to one side.
 Proper holding techniqueQuickly and firmly grasp it directly at the base of the neck. This must be done close enough to the the head so the snake can't curve around and bite you. You might want to grab and hold the tail with your other hand so that it doesn't wrap around your wrist.
Release the snake into an area that is far enough away to ensure the snake does not wander into your property again. When you let it go, let go of the head quickly, with the snake facing away from you, and step away immediately.

Method 2
Lay a large garbage can on its side.
Sweep snake in with a household broom. Snake can easily be transported to a wilderness area, away from homes.

Method 3
Get an additional stick with a small fork at one end.
Use the fork to pin the snake to the ground, an inch behind its head.
Pick it up by grasping it right behind the head. The body will be able to wiggle around, but it won't be able to bite you. You can distract the snake while you pin it, or you can probably pin it without distracting it. You can use a forked stick 5-8 feet long, and the distance you are from the snake may help you feel less scared. Once it's pinned, that should help relieve a lot of your anxiety. The stick should look something like this: >--------------

Method 4
Get a stick that is hollow in the inside like a pipe.
Get a long thin rope that is not easily broken. Fold it in half and shove it down the pipe.
Using the end of the pipe that has a loop, make the loop a little bigger, enough so that the head of the snake fits.
Using the loop, put it down the snake's head and tighten the loop by pulling both ends of the rope on the other end of the pipe. Make sure to tighten the rope close to the head. Be sure to be firm with the rope, but don't pull too tight, hurting the animal.
Get a cage to put the snake in. (see notes)

Method 5
Assemble necessary items: tee shirt, pillow case, and secure lided container or lingerie bag. (snakes are strong, so flimsy cardboard boxes are not recomended, but shipping boxes are good)
Gather up the pillowcase (like a sock to put on) and set nearby.
Toss the rumpled up tee shirt over the snakes head and upper body. The snake will generaly be afraid and coil up under the cloth.
Without delay, place the pillowcase down over the tee shirt and slide the edge firmly along the floor, scooping up the shirt and snake together. This can be done with the lingere bag if it is large enough and you are not squeemish and know the snake is not poisonous.
Place entire bundle into container. The snake will probally lie quietly for quite a while, then work its way safely out of the cloth inside.
The snake will be fine and able to breathe until you release it or call animal control for pick up.
Always be very gentle with snakes, and avoid angering them if at all possible. They are scared of you, and most of the time you can shoo them out of your yard without ever touching them at all.
Snakes can be caught without the use of a distraction, but it is much easier and safer to distract a snake before grabbing it. Not to mention that it gets the head pointed away from you, which is how you have to grab it.
If you do not have an area to release the snake, you can put it into an old pillowcase and transport it to a fitting place. If travelling by car, remember to tie a loose knot at the end or you may have a snake in your car!
If you are afraid of getting bitten, wear thick leather gloves, as most snakes will have a hard time biting through the hardened leather. However, depending on the kind of snake, it might be able to bite through, and gloves will impede your dexterity.
When handling a snake, it will want to slither through your hands, which is natural. After you pick up a snake, some species like the common Garter Snake will act like it is in a tree. You should handle it by keeping your hands about 10-12 inches apart, and rotate them so that the snake has someplace to go instead of dropping to the ground. Also, letting it run through your separated fingers is acceptable.
If the snake is venomous, or if you are not sure whether it is venomous or not, do not bother it. Try to use a stick, or other object to shoo it away. Just make sure you don't step on the tail as you're shooing it away.
Remember snakes are wild animals and can react unpredictably when threatened. And you being near it is threatening it. Always exercise extreme caution when catching snakes.
Try to avoid picking snakes up by their tail. They probably won't curl their bodies up to bite your hand, but they can easily bite your leg or even crotch. If you have to pick a snake up by its tail, hold it as far as possible from your body.
When you pick up the snake, it will understandably be scared and will likely musk on you. If you wash off immediately, it will reduce the smell, but you will still smell for a few hours more. If the smell truly bothers you (or it is particularly strong) then try using a soap with a scrubbing agent mixed in. Fast Orange or Lava soap has bits of pumice mixed in, and can scrub the smell away.
Snakes' heads are remarkably flexible. If possible, hold the snake's neck with your thumb and middle finger, with your index finger pressing on the top of the snake's head. And as much as you want to not get close to the head, get right up behind the eyes as far as possible. Most snakes' heads will be slightly bigger than their bodies. Try and get your fingers behind the ridge of the head and body, and using your thumb and inside of your pointer finger.
It may be illegal to keep a wild snake as a pet in your state. Not to mention it was a wild snake, so it will be scared of the home you are providing for it, and may not eat. If you do keep a snake in captivity for more than 30 days, it will have a hard time surviving in the wild, if you decide you don't want it. So make sure you are ready to accept the responsibility of caring and maintaining a cold-blooded reptile.