Robert F. Kennedy Jr. snatches snakes in viral video
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has sparked widespread internet discussion after sharing a video of himself wrangling two non-venomous black racer snakes bare-handed. The encounter took place on the patio of Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
In the footage, Kennedy is seen grabbing the snakes by their tails while they bite in the direction of his fingers. The clip captured a range of public reactions, from joy and incredulity to outcry, while Kennedy’s wife, actress Cheryl Hines, can be heard asking “Why?” and urging him to release the animals.
Expert Concerns Over Wildlife Handling
Herpetologists have weighed in on the encounter, noting that while the species is largely harmless to humans, the method of handling is problematic. Experts warned that grabbing snakes by the tails can cause injuries to their spines.
Bonnie Keller, a herpetologist and former board member of the Virginia Herpetological Society, stated, “That is not how I would handle the snakes, but I’m a trained professional.”
Sean McKnight, director of programmes at the nonprofit Rattlesnake Conservancy, emphasized the importance of minimizing the duration of wildlife handling. He noted that such interactions are “potentially stressing out the animals more than needed.”
A Pattern of Animal Encounters
The snake video is part of a broader history of Kennedy interacting with wildlife. He recently shared a photo of himself rescuing a starling at Dulles Airport in northern Virginia.
In 2024, during his presidential campaign, Kennedy posted a video of himself capturing a venomous rattlesnake in his California driveway using a small net and a trowel. In that instance, he secured the snake with his bare hands to show its fangs to the camera, a move McKnight advised against because rattlesnakes cannot be safely restrained by hand.
Kennedy has also spoken about his lifelong habit of collecting roadkill, mentioning he once kept a “freezer full of it” at home. Stefanie Spear, a top adviser at the nation’s health department and former campaign spokesperson, explained that as a longtime falconer, Kennedy used roadkill to feed his birds.
Potential Implications
The continued sharing of these encounters may further define the public image of the U.S. Health Secretary. Such viral moments could lead to increased public debate regarding the conduct of high-ranking officials in the health sector.
Future interactions with wildlife may be viewed through the lens of expert guidance on animal welfare. This could result in a heightened focus on the balance between personal hobbies and professional representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the recent viral video featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?
The U.S. Health Secretary posted a video of himself bare-handedly removing two non-venomous black racer snakes from the patio of CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz by grabbing them by their tails.
Why did herpetologists criticize the way the snakes were handled?
Experts stated that grabbing snakes by the tail can cause spinal injuries and that handling wildlife for extended periods can cause unnecessary stress to the animals.
What other animal interactions has Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Shared publicly?
Kennedy has shared a rescue of a starling at Dulles Airport, a video of him capturing a rattlesnake in California in 2024 and an admission that he placed a bear carcass in Central Park as a prank in 2014.
Do you believe the personal hobbies of public officials should be viewed separately from their professional roles?