Why do people have so much hates for snakes.

[InquisitorXIII]

Sounds like the problem might stem a little deeper than the snakes but that's just my opinion... Also I have not discovered hatred but fear mainly. Majority of people don't see them as say a dog or cat. While they are largely different, it's no different. They are our beloved pets rather they have limbs or not, cold blooded or warm. Most outsiders of this community I've found as a new owner from my mom , grandma , fiancé ,and co workers. It's the unknown and lack of knowledge.

Well, you are right about the littler deeper then snakes she hates me with a passion because of my Reptile hobby and such but I already told her I don't give a damn what she thinks of me. All I care about is teaching people in my area by going to the schools and stuff that they aren't killers but instead they are interesting little noodles.

[Bennie1986]

I was baffled by the amount of hate I got when I announced that I had purchased a snake. I expected it from my mother because she refused to let me get one as a kid but the guys a work shocked me. I am an auto tech and work with some big burly type dudes and they were a freaked out about my BP!

[cletus]

Iv'e only experienced fear. Not really hate. Some people are just uneducated. It's our job to educate them if they want to learn.

[Albert Clark]

There is a real perceived fear among a big part of the population. People who are devoutly religious top the list. There are those few that will tell you outright that they hate snakes bc of either a bad experience or grew up with a learned hatred of snakes. That's why it's our responsibility as keepers to educate those that care to learn and not parade our animals out in public in a show off type of manner and remember people have genuine fears of snakes.

[InquisitorXIII]

There is a real perceived fear among a big part of the population. People who are devoutly religious top the list. There are those few that will tell you outright that they hate snakes bc of either a bad experience or grew up with a learned hatred of snakes. That's why it's our responsibility as keepers to educate those that care to learn and not parade our animals out in public in a show off type of manner and remember people have genuine fears of snakes.

I try my best to teach everyone I can the only time I have any of my reptiles out in public is when I'm teaching the kids at my local school and they all love them there is the few that are hesitant at first but after they see the rest coming up to them they come up and see them.

[Albert Clark]

I try my best to teach everyone I can the only time I have any of my reptiles out in public is when I'm teaching the kids at my local school and they all love them there is the few that are hesitant at first but after they see the rest coming up to them they come up and see them.

Well, I am not referring to keepers who are out there in controlled settings and doing educational seminars. The few of us out there in the public eye with snakes around their necks and walking into stores and public places where a snake most certainly will be frowned upon and probably really terrify others. And just looking to impress others by having a large or huge snake out in the open. IMO, this is not the type of exposure snakes or snake keepers need.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Fear and hate are taught or learned, a child will have no fear or hate.

Solution: EDUCATION this goes for all array of life not just snakes

[AlyssaLu]

For me, my fathers side of the family are catholic and see snakes as being associated with the devil, for some it's a religious thing. So whenever they come over, they say things like my two are "Satan worshippers" or call them the devil.
For some cultures, or religions, snakes are bad luck or represent evil and it's a hard to break that view from people like that who's had that built into their lifestyle.

Not saying everyone who's catholic or religious in general are like that, it's just something that I've noticed and had personal experiences with.

[Ax01]

People are probably genetically programmed to fear things that are potentially dangerous. Then add to that media and cinematic sensationalism, folklore saying they are evil, and general ignorance believing they are slimy, creepy, or all venomous, and you end up with snakeists.

yep! those are like the first 2 questions i'm always asked - are they poisonous? aren't they slimey? come on - do some research. or meet one in person.

[Reinz]

I can give a perspective from an older generation, a Baby Boomer. My parents were thus, The Greatest Generation.

Growing up for both generations meant spending your time outside. There were no electronic games, computers, or even air conditioning until I was a preteen. No cable TV, just 3 channels on a black and white with very poor reception and programming. Thus, the only reason to be inside was to eat and sleep.

Our exposure to snakes were much more growing up since we were always outdoors. We played in other people's yards, climbed their trees. It wasn't considered rude back then because we were all truly neighbors. Everybody looked out for each other. If you saw a snake, you did not want it harming anyone that may come by, so usually a male would kill it. It was the "responsible" thing to do.

It was and still is considered a macho thing to kill any and all snakes, a sense of duty almost.

In my family, the hatred was learned. My Dad heavily pushed his ideas on my whole family. My Mom and older Brother are very fearful of snakes, as was my Father until he died recently.

His views didn't stick with me because I was the adventurer of the family.

My whole life around men no matter the situation was "the only good snake is a dead snake". And also, females would expect me or other males to kill any snake observed.

So needless to say I had a lot of fun pulling snake pranks on my macho buddies growing up.

The main difference with me now since I keep snakes is that I educate folks and frown upon snake pranks.



My oldest daughter was deathly afraid of snakes! Here she is with Punch, a heavy bodied 7 foot Boa.