I had to vote "gals," since - well - I'm a gal with 16 snakes! I have also encountered more snake-fearing men than women, and it especially made me laugh when my roommate's ex was terrified... he was a 6'5" 30 year-old black man, who would shriek like a 12 year-old girl if the snake came within 10 feet of him. On the other hand, most women I tell about my snakes are fascinated and want to meet them. Even those who claim to be afraid will take a chance, and usually end up with one happily wrapped around their neck.

Oh, and I've always been interested in snakes & reptiles, so it's hard to say why or how.