I jump too, I think it's really a pretty normal reaction. I don't think it means you are afraid or anything, I think it is the same kind of instinct that make you put your arm out to break an unexpected fall, even if you are falling onto a pile of pillows.
I know very few people who don't at least flinch a little if a snake strikes and/or bites them. My theory is that our brains are hardwired to avoid any snakebite, harmless or not. A lot of our ancient ancestors probably stayed alive by just assuming all snakes could kill them, and which is probably why they still have such a bad rap. Those of us who bring a snake into our homes and love and care for it are really probably completely challenging the instincts wired into our brains. I say kudos for us for that, but I think that it means, for most of us anyway, we still jump when they bite! Can't have everything.![]()