I actually admire the Jehovah's Witnesses. They put their balls on the line for their beliefs, and really believe them, unlike a lot of so-called christians.
That said, my entire neighborhood thinsk I keep cobras, and know I have an arsenol of rifles, shotguns, and handguns. I just like shooting. The snake thing was from me trying to get a nice picture of a large female ball python that really is cranky. I had her outside to get a natural light shot and she really wanted to bite at me, so the neighbors were all gathered up yelling. I finally told them "Yeah it's a cobra" in a VERY sarcastic tone, but all it took was the word "cobra" from my mouth. They've seen the giant lizards, and the various snakes, so they all know I'm the crazy of the area.
Add to that, I told one lady that if someone broke into my house I would shoot them in the head. When she protested, I pointed out that in Florida, it's legal. Her son was the one breaking into houses, and he hasn't been seen on our road since that innocent conversation.
If people are going to irrationally fear snakes, we might as well use that for our own benefit. A nice sign that reads "Please do not disturb the venomous snakes" on the front door does nicely to deter folks from wanting to sell me soap.