Why do some people fear or hate all snakes regardless of them being non-venomous?
Written by admin on February 24, 2010 – 4:49 pm -Why do some people fear snakes of the non-venomous type even though most pose little or no threat to them? And why do some people go as far as killing all snakes? Especially since they keep the rodent population in check without polluting our Earth? And why do some people think they’re slimy and gross when they have never even touched them? Why all the hate for snakes? Is it because of the Bible, the way snakes are portrayed as evil in the Bible? Phobias? Or is it just no knowledge about snakes or ignorance? I think snakes are cool, I’ve held black rat snakes and boas before, not slimy, a snake’s skin feels like soft leather, somewhat. And the snakes I’ve held were docile and gentle, not wild(they were kept as pets by my high-school applied biology teacher) and therefore not nasty. I wish people were more open-minded about these creatures.
Tags: being, fear, hate, nonvenomous, People, regardless, Snakes, some, them
Posted in Animals | 12 Comments »
By kelbel6325 on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
Well, I hate snakes because of the feeling of them crawling on you. The skin feels gross. Thats just me but I know another person that hates ALL snakes because they were bit by one when they were younger and they feel threatened by ALL snakes.
By iceni on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
Because in many places snakes are venomous and it is hard to break old prejudices. They are usually passed down from parents who unknowingly show fear towards them in front of their children. Movies also portray them in a bad light.
By Kryptoph on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
didnt read all that. Come to Australia, and u will see venomous snakes, all right!!
By leannemcdowell@btinternet.com on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
phobias!
By Mother of all Chaos on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
I think its a phobic reaction. I have a huge problem with large spiders, and understand how it feels to have an irrational reaction to something that’s probably harmless. If I’m out in my garden and a wolf spider appears out of nowhere, which is what they do, I suddenly feel nauseated, along with being totally freaked out. Snakes, I have no problem with! They are cool, but I can understand how their “snakeyness” could be disturbing. No legs – could be a creepy concept for some!
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Hey Kelbel – ever feel a large python? They feel like a nice solid leather purse! The little ones, like a garter snake can be a bit unpleasant, especially if they poo all over you – its a defense mechnism – and it works!
By Amanda172007 on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
They are disgusting, nasty creatures!!! YUCK! I hate them
By Drifter on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
Probably because people are retarded. the other day i proved the theory of non-venomous snakes causing any harm to people wrong, when i saw a two-foot-long garter snake creeping up my steps to my house. i carefully picked it up with my hands, kinda like Steve Erwin does, and moved the thing to the farthest place of my backyard(i have a forest in the end). And no the thing did not defecate on me as “Mother of a…”stated earlier. I’m sure that it is their defence mechanism.
rattle snakes on the other hand are another story. believe it or not, but i have come in contact with a rattler. those are best left alone. snakes wouldn’t bite unless they are violently grabbed or cornered. They help control pests such as rats and mice. people are just ignorant and try to terminate them when necessary.I think that those people are just lame and are all pussies(in other words too afraid to think things through).
By justdaman11 on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
i dont know. i must say i’m dead afraid of all snakes i think it all happend when i say the national geographic channel and the snake ate the rat i thought it could eat me. i dont believe that anymore but for some reason i think of that whenever i see a snake.
By GrowlitheTails95 on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
They look scary but I enjoy snakes
By Laurie S on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
It goes back to the beginning of time, as you wrote even, in the Bible! They are also portrayed in documentaries on TV as evil, gruesome, showing only venomous or nasty,wretched snakes like anacondas that eat people in the movies right? They don’t truly teach about and educate the public. It’s sad really because the more I’ve gotten to learn and know and have in our home from our oldest son, the more I like them! I think they’re only afraid of people probably more than people are of them. That’s when you see them go into a nasty mood, etc. When they are born in captivity, they usually have a great temper and docile, just like the one’s you’ve held. Our son doesn’t deal with venomous ones, but even venomous snakes they are finding to be of medical use from their venom, when used correctly!
By aranae on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
It’s thought that primates have an instinctive fear of both spiders and snakes. In Africa, where we evolved, there are many species of poisonous varieties of both of these so it’s not a particularly bad idea from a selfish gene perspective.
This fear can and really should be unlearned.
By buckoe59ca on Feb 24, 2010 | Reply
I am afraid of snakes. ALL snakes. It is a morbid deep rooted fear. I freak at the sight of the smallest grass snake. I would rather deal with a crazed pit bull than a snake. I don’t know why. That’s just the way it is. Luckily I live in the city.