Watch Snake Man of Appalachia

Snake Man of Appalachia was a thrilling nature documentary series produced by Animal Planet in 2012. The show was an unscripted and gritty exploration of the life and work of snake expert and handler, Hank "The Snake Man" Brown. With over forty years of experience handling venomous snakes, Brown, aged 68 in the series, was a fixture of the wildlife community in Appalachia and beyond. The show ran for eight episodes and presented riveting footage of Brown's encounters with nature's most dangerous predators, his efforts to educate people about the importance of conserving wildlife and his unique lifestyle.

The series is set in the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains, a region known for its diverse flora and fauna. Brown's hometown in rural Appalachia, located in the rolling hills of Kentucky, forms the backdrop for much of the documentary. The show uses handheld cameras to capture the rugged and sometimes hazardous work that Brown does. From swamps and forests to places where the misdeeds of humans have brought endangered species like the timber rattlesnake into close contact with human populations, the series showcases Brown's efforts to educate people on the importance of conservation while also providing insight on the methods and techniques he uses to handle venomous snakes.

Throughout the show, Brown is portrayed as a man of integrity, courage, and dedication, but also someone who lived life on his own terms. Even in his seventies, the "Snake Man" remains a fearless adventurer who has dedicated his life to studying snakes, educating the public about them, and saving them from harm. He is a master of Appalachian folklore and shares his vast knowledge with people he meets during his travels.

One of the most striking features of the series is the intimate and unique portrayal of Brown's relationship with snakes. He has a genuine love, respect, and appreciation for these dangerous creatures and regards them as vital to the ecological health of the Appalachians. He is always careful to handle them with care, working his way slowly and calmly into their habitats to avoid scarring or injuring the animals. Brown's mantra is clear: education and awareness is key to keeping humans and snakes safe in the mountains.

The Snake Man of Appalachia is not for the faint of heart and features Brown risking life and limb to capture venomous snakes. The show's signature moment features Brown capturing a massive rattlesnake on camera