I think people fear them because they look at snakes and no matter what type of snake they view it as venomous and something that could kill them
That coupled w/ the whole Garden of Eden/Apple thing is just to much for most minds to handle. Then you add Hollywood and movies and that just about sums it all up.
Then there are people like us that view them as amazing creatures and see the good they do in the whole eco thing.
Face it people love to be scared of things and misery loves company so people pass this on to their children and anyone else who will listen.
Tis sad at times :(