When I was young Dad and I would use a net to catch Eastern water snakes. Then we would put them in a pillow case to hold them, and tie the end off. Snakes are surprisingly fragile with their long vertabrae. If you have to "hold" them grab them by the back of the head so they can't coil and bite you.

Other members may have better suggestions. Good luck.

Lisa

If there is two things I don't much care for, it's snakes and spiders. One with no legs, and one with too many. You might call a local game warden or animal control to see what they say.