How often should garter snakes be handled. The snake was coping really well with being handled gently for a couple of minutes every day up until tonight i've just tried to pick it up and it totally freaked. It zipped round real quick and then cornered itself, when I picked it up it was very tense and agitated, it then musked, I think, as it gave of a very strong smell and I had a white residue on my hand . He’s settled down now and is patrolling the tank as normal. I wasn’t particularly worried by this behaviour, however, I am curious to know what the general consensus is. Handle less or More. Everyone’s thoughts and opinions have been superb by the way I'm so glad I stumbled over this forum.