Snakes get a bad rap. There are a lot of theories regarding why it is that snake phobia (proper scientific name Ophidiophobia) is one of the most experienced phobias out there. One theory, which is quite an interesting theory, is that it is an imprint. Basically the theory states that way back in the day when human ancestors roamed the earth that a fear of snakes was necessary because they were abundant and could cause serious harm. This fear was carried through out time piggy backing on our genetic make-up.
It does make sense that in generations gone by it was very necessary to be afraid of things that could harm us since medical attention was not possible. Another popular theory is that the phobia was instituted by biblical influences. Adam and Eve and the serpent, this story out of Genesis, showed that Adam and Eve did not fair well after their run in with a snake. Folklore also plays a big role in feeding the snake phobia. There are only a few snakes in the world that could actually kill a man, none of which are hunting men, mostly they strike when they are cornered and canât get away. They donât steal small children and they donât eat domestic animals. Most snakes keep the vermin population down and probably would prefer no human interaction at all. They should be far more afraid of us than we are of them.Evidently snakes suffer from phobias as well. The leading cause of death amongst snakes is the human hence the humanaphobic behavior displayed by snakes.
