How do you get over fear of snakes?

Question

In my volunteer work, I need to be able to handle non-venomous snakes at times. How can this be less of a creep-out experience?

Answer 1

Handle them with protective gloves first. This will lessen the physical sensation of handling them and will also alleviate any fear of being bitten. Then, when you have achieved some degree of confidence, graduate to thin cotton gloves. And finally to bare hands.

Answer 2

I hate snakes, Big, little, dead, or alive. It helped me though. when I went to a snake hunt in the mountains. They had volunteers from snake and wildlife associations to teach about snakes. They told about myths and it was very enlightening. They had people bagging these snakes. The kids, some were about 2 or 3 years old, and ladies. They bag nonpoisonous snakes. The men bag poisonous snakes. They have to return them to as near as they can to their habitat where they were found. The rules say you are not allowed to hurt them. They put the rattlers heads inside a clear tube so you can touch it without being harmed., it also does not hurt the snake.I think you would enjoy it. They could tell you anything you want to know. One is in Sinnamahoning PA and the other in is Crossfork PA.

Answer 3

At least they're non-venomous. That's half the battle right there.

Just make sure you handle them carefully, and try not to think about picking up a snake at all while you're picking it up. Simply envision the task you have to do, prepare to do it, and do it as quickly as possible while not thinking about what you're doing. Hopefully, as you become more used to the snakes, you will lose your fear of them.

Answer 4

Learn as much as you can about them and expose yourself to snakes more often. If you can become comfortable around them, without touching them, and if you can learn to respect them, then you may find that there isn't much to fear. Maybe start by finding a tame pet snake and just touch it. If all else fails you could just take up the hobby of charming cobras.

Answer 5

u know u can cook and eat them and drink their blood..thus u feel superior than the snakes.. ur fear will eventually subsides.. hahaha.. just kidding.. :-P

i think u can be less creep-out if u pretend they are no snake.. think of them as any others animals like.. cat, dog..etc.. something similar to a snake but not a snake

Answer 6

learn as much as you can about them. Practice holding them for short periods of time at first and work your way up to handling them for long periods of time. Maybe really get to know the snakes there and their "personalities" and find a calm one to practice holding until you are comforatle holding all of them.

Answer 7

i love snakes used to have pets before my pussycat ripped the heads off(yes i did have tham in a safe place my brother let her have access while i was in canada) just pick it up carress it and kiss it on the top of it's head,i love snakes and love feeding them,though that was teh hardest part about raising them since i love rats too,no, not sewer rats.i had rats as pets too not mice,big beautiful rats.handle the snake with care.

Answer 8

Found out more about them. Read about them. Go to a pet store and have them explain them...show you how to handle them and show you how to get gradually accustomed to feeling more comfortable with them.

Answer 9

you could get professional help that help people with these kinds of phobias, i myself am scared of spiders.
but i guess a manual way to do it is try to touch a harmless one and try to cope and fight the fear.