I know very few people who fear snakes, but none of them can give me a reason as to why they are afraid. My wife will occassionally touch my ball python if she's trying to convince one of my nephews that he is OK, but for the most part she avoids the snakes because she doesn't like the way they move. I wouldn't say she's afraid of any of them though. Most people, I'd have to say is just the fear of the unknown like has been previously posted.