Robert F. Kennedy Jr. added another viral moment to his tenure as health secretary by wrangling two nonvenomous black racer snakes with his bare hands at Dr. Mehmet Oz's Palm Beach home. Filmed in a dress shirt, slacks, and tie, the video drew nearly 8 million views on X within eight hours, the latest in a string of animal encounters that includes rattlesnakes, ravens, and a dead bear.

Snake wrangler Bruce Ireland gave Mr. Kennedy a 9.6 out of 10 for technique, praising his ability to distinguish nonvenomous snakes from venomous ones. Experts noted the snakes appeared to be mating and nipped at his hands as he grabbed them near their tails. His wife Cheryl Hines initially mistook the black racers for water moccasins, which can require intensive care treatment, but the species is harmless.

The video raises questions about how the health secretary manages his personal brand alongside his government role. A DHH spokesman did not respond to requests for comment, and Mr. Kennedy posted the clip from his personal social media account. For a health official tasked with advising Americans on self-preservation, grabbing snakes by the tail while wearing dress socks is certainly an unusual approach.