I'm only afraid of them if they surprise me. I'll hold it if someone hands it to me or I can pick it up myself from inside its' terrarium, but in the open? Nope! We have copperheads and water moccasins, along with the non-dangerous garters, blacks and other local inhabitants, but until I get a good look at what's slithering through the grass, "Get thee back, ya little bugger!"No, I actually like snakes and will make sure they survive and thrive. I have no fear of them and find them to be very beneficial.