Why do people have so much hates for snakes.

[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.