I guess because like most people they have it in there mindset that snakes are only out to bite you. The media plays a big roll on this with all of there shows nowadays (Fatal Attractions, Python Hunters, etc...)
The last show I was at, I held this amazing looking bumble bee morph that snapped at my hand and proceeded to twist.... I just kinda laughed and was like Owwwwwch....lol
My wife completely freaked out like it was a Western Diamondback that just tagged me
After that she was like screw this so...... I dunno