I'm not a snake fan either, but they're not slimy. Very dry and nice to touch. And a surprising number of non-poisonous snakes won't bite even if you handle them carelessly. Just yesterday I walk into the living room and Silverback Junior is watching some nature show. The host is busy catching water snakes down south for a seasonal zoo exhibit They were non-poisonous, but trying to bite him like nobody's business. But later in the program, he was handling other species of non-poisonous snakes without even getting a hold near their head, and these snakes looked like they were thinking, "Wow, I'm on TV!" Totally docile. One was more interested in smelling the camera with its tongue than anything else.
I've got a buddy that can't stand them. It seems like once a year I get a call from he or his wife asking me to get one out of their garage, living room, etc. I take 'em home let the kids play with them for a bit, them let it loose in the back yard. Some of the little snakes can hardly get their mouth opened wide enough to bite and the one's that do feel more like a clothes pin with rough edges.
Growing up in FL you learn rather young to tell the good ones from the one's that need a little more 'respect.'
The water moccassin, or 'cottonmouth' is the nastiest dude - he'll see you and still come right at you - they're not afraid of much - darn near all the rest will flee when they see you.