I have family and friends who claimed to be fearful of snakes, but these are the same people who would ask about my snakes or curious about seeing one. So it is not like fear similar to a phobia, but more like the feeling of uncertainty so it is safer than sorry to get close one. My niece thinks they are slimy, my sister thinks my ball python will eat her, and my 3 year old nephew says yucky when I ask him if he wants to handle one. At the same time, my niece wanted to name my cornsnake, my sister still handled my ball python, and my nephew nods excitedly when I ask him would he like handle my woma. Even my brother came by the other day for an errand and just as I thought he was leaving, he asked if he can see my reptiles. My co-workers are surprised to know I keep snakes and yet they would ask about them every now and then.
Phobia of snakes do exist. But I think the majority of the time, if given the opportunity, people are curious animals and will approach. It can be a question, a glimpse or even poking gently with their eyes closed on a snake. It is still a step forward toward understanding something different than us, even if they walk away not having to love snakes and that is fine. The key is not to push your love for snakes on others and expect them to feel the same way.
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