Where did we go wrong?

[MissLeMew]

So I guess scientists have discovered that through evolution, the fear of snakes and spiders has been ingrained into our brains during fetal development. Something that goes along the lines of "if we were still wild animals, we'd be able to instinctually recognize reptiles and spiders as a threat to our survival as some of them are lethal, and the brain's immediate response is that of fear." And I guess this development is still in play today, as their studies showed.

I guess that explains why the majority of the Earth's population sees a snake and wets their pants.

Where the heck did all of us go wrong? Is it a possibility that we all missed out on that part of our brain's development? Who knows, because I know for sure that I'm terrified of spiders -- but give me a spider ball python ANY day and I'm a happy girl.

[PurplePython]

So I guess scientists have discovered that through evolution, the fear of snakes and spiders has been ingrained into our brains during fetal development. Something that goes along the lines of "if we were still wild animals, we'd be able to instinctually recognize reptiles and spiders as a threat to our survival as some of them are lethal, and the brain's immediate response is that of fear." And I guess this development is still in play today, as their studies showed.

I guess that explains why the majority of the Earth's population sees a snake and wets their pants.

Where the heck did all of us go wrong? Is it a possibility that we all missed out on that part of our brain's development? Who knows, because I know for sure that I'm terrified of spiders -- but give me a spider ball python ANY day and I'm a happy girl.

Thats interesting. I know it may seam stupid that its in our heads right from the start to fear these animals, but honestly I can completely beleive it. I mean sure ball pythons are very nice and docile, as are many spiders/tarantulas, but there are some tarantulas and snakes that I would never even attempt to handle. lol

[MitsuMike]

Yea idk why I hate spiders but there is no way I'm touching one or keeping one as a pet.

[Seru1]

Everybody's different. I try not to believe anything a scientist tells me. Because they are always changing there minds.

Personally I hate all bugs. Infact one of the best things about getting a gecko might just be watching him hunt crickets(as long as I ain't gotta raise them).


I think we have alot of modern comforts today. Unless your someone who goes out in nature alot, venomous snakes are no threat to you in a suburban or urban area.


We have knowledge. Maybe a little bravery and stupidity to. And I think thats a plus.

[MissLeMew]

I mean sure ball pythons are very nice and docile, as are many spiders/tarantulas, but there are some tarantulas and snakes that I would never even attempt to handle. lol

I'm on Cape Cod, and the only spider that you'd ever have to worry about here is the once in a blue moon black widow, that gets carried onto this stupid little rock by some musty old pick-up truck.

But even so, put one of those freaky little jumping spiders in my face, and I'm on the floor having a panic attack. Put a diamond back rattle snake in my path, and I'm really excited... not that I would try to pick one up without the proper equipment, but still.

I'd take no legs over eight legs any day.

[Big Gunns]

So I guess scientists have discovered that through evolution, the fear of snakes and spiders has been ingrained into our brains during fetal development. Something that goes along the lines of "if we were still wild animals, we'd be able to instinctually recognize reptiles and spiders as a threat to our survival as some of them are lethal, and the brain's immediate response is that of fear." And I guess this development is still in play today, as their studies showed.

I guess that explains why the majority of the Earth's population sees a snake and wets their pants.

Where the heck did all of us go wrong? Is it a possibility that we all missed out on that part of our brain's development? Who knows, because I know for sure that I'm terrified of spiders -- but give me a spider ball python ANY day and I'm a happy girl.

What "scientists" are these? Every time BG saw anything about this it was proven that's it's not "instinctive". A kid will go right up to a snake and pick it up until the momma goes. EWWWWWWWW....stay away. Test your kid. BG bets they'll go right up to a snake and pick it up.

[A.VinczeBPs]

Is that from the tv? I think I saw something that said the same thing, except I know it wasn't any "scientist" theory because they mentioned it went all the way back to "Adam and Eve". And all I was thinking when I watched it was "Wow, so people are scared of snakes because a talking snake lured them into doing something stupid...This makes PERFECT sense".

Even if you saw it somewhere else, I still highly doubt it. As a kid, I wasn't scared of anything. I'd catch snakes and set them free....Picked up a spider, it bit me and my arm swelled up all the way to my elbow, that's when my fear kicked in.

[PurplePython]

Yea idk why I hate spiders but there is no way I'm touching one or keeping one as a pet.

i have a rose hair and its such a docile little thing. I think mine actually enjoys being handled, although all of them are different. I have seen a rose hair flip out on some people and I have seen some completely calm and docile and fine with being held.

Just hold a tarantula or spider one time and I am sure you will change your mind.

I used to be deathly affraid of spiders/tarantulas too. Then I held my very first one, and immediately I felt so uneducated about my fears. They are defensive just like ball pythons are. They wont strike or "bite" just for the heck of it.

[mr. s]

Unless your someone who goes out in nature alot, venomous snakes are no threat to you in a suburban or urban area.

It depends on where you live. I've been in lots of places where poisonous snakes will be in peoples backyards.

I would imagine that it is instinctual to be cautious of little things that move quickly, like a rat, spider or maybe snake. That would make sense, but experience has told me that kids are only scared when a snake moves quickly. Adults on the other hand are a different story. Depending on your culture, people are taught to flee for their lives if they see a snake, and for good reason. I have some family friends from Burundi and when I took my corn snake out one day, they literally RAN out of my house! It was super funny.

[photoman100169]

What "scientists" are these? Every time BG saw anything about this it was proven that's it's not "instinctive". A kid will go right up to a snake and pick it up until the momma goes. EWWWWWWWW....stay away. Test your kid. BG bets they'll go right up to a snake and pick it up.

I was just going to say that this can't be right. My 2 year old son LOVES my snakes and the rats. No fear once so ever. I have to say that you are right once again BG