RFK Jr.s Latest Animal Encounter Goes Viral

A video of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. snatching two black racer snakes barehanded captured the internet fascination. The US Health Secretary shared the clip on his personal social media accounts, noting he was removing them from the patio of CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz [citation:9].

What Does the Video Show?

The clip shows Kennedy grabbing the tails of the nonvenomous black racer snakes. The snakes can be seen biting in the direction of his fingers. Kennedy wife, actress Cheryl Hines, can be heard saying "Why?" and telling her husband to let them go [citation:9].

What Do Snake Experts Say?

Herpetologists said the species is largely harmless to humans, even if it bites. However, they advised that people should be mindful of the stress that handling snakes puts on the creatures. They also warned to avoid grabbing them by the tails as Kennedy does, because it can cause injuries to their spines [citation:9].

RFK Jr. History of Animal Encounters

An avid outdoorsman, Kennedy has posted numerous photos and videos of himself interacting with wild animals. Earlier in May 2026, he posted a snapshot holding a bird he rescued at Dulles Airport. In 2024, he posted a video capturing a rattlesnake in his California driveway. He also admitted to planting a bear carcass in Central Park as a prank [citation:9].

Public Reaction: Memes and Outcry

Internet users reacted with joy, incredulity, and outcry at Kennedy latest clip. Memes have proliferated across social media platforms. Some praise his outdoorsman skills; others question the appropriateness for a Health Secretary [citation:9].

Expert Advice on Snake Handling

Sean McKnight, director of programs at the nonprofit Rattlesnake Conservancy, encourages people to minimize handling duration of any wildlife because they are "potentially stressing out the animals more than needed." For venomous snakes like rattlesnakes, experts say there is no way to restrain them safely with bare hands [citation:9].

Conclusion: Another Viral RFK Jr. Moment

Love it or hate it, RFK Jr. snake video has captured the internet attention. Whether this helps or hurts his public image remains to be seen, but the viral moment has certainly made him a trending topic [citation:9].