COAL COUNTRY: 17-snake_handler

Rattlesnake service, Micco, West Virginia. This form of snake handling sprang up in the early 20th century, based on a set of Bible verses that say the faithful will be able to handle serpents and drink poison, yet remain unharmed. Practitioners believe they must only pick up a snake when commanded by God, and if they get bitten, it is because their faith was not sufficiently strong. Once bitten, a victim does not seek medical attention. One month before I took this photo, the 15-year-old son of the minister pictured at far left was bitten and died. Jon Chase photo

Rattlesnake service, Micco, West Virginia. This form of snake handling sprang up in the early 20th century, based on a set of Bible verses that say the faithful will be able to handle serpents and drink poison, yet remain unharmed. Practitioners believe they must only pick up a snake when commanded by God, and if they get bitten, it is because their faith was not sufficiently strong. Once bitten, a victim does not seek medical attention. One month before I took this photo, the 15-year-old son of the minister pictured at far left was bitten and died. Jon Chase photo