How does one get over the fear of Snakes?

Question

Every sence i can remember i have had this GREAT fear of snakes. But all my life my Father had snakes... And i think they are cool to look at, but when the snake is out i FREEK out and bad... i sometime pass out, or start crying.... from the frear. Im 22 years old, and LOVE all animals. And i would love to STOP fearing snakes. Any one have this fear, and how to get over it?

Answer 1

First of all to begin with the last person who wrote that 90% of all snakes have teeth in the back of their mouth that isn't used to bite, doesn't know fully what they are talking about. Yes, they do have those teeth, but they have rows of other teeth that fill their mouths. I don't think it would be right to tell you not to worry about teeth and you end up getting bit and then not trusting anything to do with snakes.

Most snakes don't want to bite, they bite out of fear or defense. If you have someone who has a tame snake, get them to bring it to you, sit down beside you and reach out and touch it away from the head. Once you get comfortable with that have them let you hold the tail end with they hold the head, eventually have them place it in your lap and then you hold it when you are ready. Go in little steps and try to push yourself from one step to another, but not too fast.

I was deathly afraid of snakes, but always loved them. One day I got fed up with my fear and went and bought a snake. I have pushed myself in little steps from holding to feeding to getting a second snake. The new one has not been accustomed to human handling and it has been aggressive, but is calming down. I am not telling you to go and get a snake, but to take little steps and try to push yourself. The truth is that sometimes snakes bite, that is what I was always afraid of. My boa has never even tried and lets me do whatever I want with him, the new cornsnake is the one who hasn't gotten totally used to being handled. Me trying to feed him or hold him was a sight to see. He started to strike and lunge at me and I went back to that old fear and didn't want to even touch him. I finally got fed up with myself and said, he is less than a foot and a half with a head smaller than a thimble, how much could it hurt. So I forced myself to pick him and when he bit I thought, "is this what I have been afraid of..." Push yourself to take baby steps and you'll get over it in time.

Answer 2

This is how we helped my friend, who once threw snake knives at me in panic when I brought out my snake.
You should find someone with a nice, tame small snake. Preferably a cornsnake.
first- take a recent complete shed and feel and hold that, feel it, whatever you want to do with it.
2nd- put the enclousure in the kitchen/living room, etc where you will have to pass it. The snake is completely closed- no way to get out, just for you to stare at or are forced to walk by. Leave it there for a week or so.

3rd- have someone hold that tiny snake across the room from you. Sit there until you calm down- take deep breaths and think of something else- watch TV, etc.
4th- remember- it is small- you can easily punt-kick it across the floor (not that I suggest doing so)
5th- 90% of snakes have fangs in the back of their mouth and are not used to bite at all- are just used to help move food down.
6th- when you feel comfortable enough seeing it out, have someone hold its head (anyone experienced in snake handling should know how to do it- no way for the snake to move). And you can touch the tail, scream, and run away. Force yourself to repeat at least once a day.

Good luck! :)

These steps worked well in many situations. Number 6 worked the best when I was educating people about snakes in public- if their head is immobilized, a lot of people feel less fear.

Answer 3

hi there hey i'm older and i fear waterbugs even the dead ones I almost throw myself out of a seven floor window cause a friend show me a dead water bug but I HAVE MY REASONS it goes back when i was 5. cause of that I TRY TO OVER COME THAT but just can't maybe that is why I do not visit florida or puerto rico . NOTHING IN LIFE IS TO BE FEAR IT IS ONLY TO BE UNDERSTOOD, MAYBE U HAD A BAD DREAM ABOUT SNAKES THINK AND REMEMBER WHY U ARE FEARFUL OF SNAKES IT IS ALWAYS A CHILD HOOD THING OF THE PAST.

Answer 4

I would start off slow. I would go to some pet stores and look at them through the glass. Then after a month or so, have one of the employees take it out and see how you feel about it. Then eventually, try and touch it. They are more scared of us than we are of them. I don't have any animal fears so I can't really symphasize with you, but I bet if you set your mind to it, you would be ok. Good luck!!

Answer 5

i was the same way untill like 7 yrs ago i got tired of a silly fear went to the store bought a snake and well now im a reptile breeder

Answer 6

there are virtual reality programs that help with getting over fears of stuff( i saw it on animal planet except with spiders, but i bet there are snake ones too) the virtual reality thing makes it look like your up close to spiders or w/e. i have no idea how to get that thing though. just try getting around the smaller snakes and stuff and then move towards the bigger ones, you just have to face them.

Answer 7

A lot of time, people fear snakes due to misconceptions about them. For instance they think snakes are slimy or out to get us. Fact is snakes feel sort of like leather and most of them fear us more than we fear them. They will usually only strike if they think people are trying to harm them. I had a pet snake that I used to let lay on my lap as I watched television. Its all about learning all you can about them, and hopefully you will be more comfortable with them. I love them and think they are fascinating creatures ! Good Luck.

Answer 8

I work in a pet shop and it always amazes me how people freak out over an animal in a cage that is not even moving.
Usually if i can convince them to hold one (after convincing them to let me take one out) they realize that there really isn't anything to fear. Try it. most pet stores would be happy help.

Answer 9

I hate snakes, and don't think I'll ever lose that. I don't think there's a simple way to get over something you fear that much. Just stay away from them and hope you don't dream about them!

Answer 10

Learn as much as you can about them, remember they are just as afraid of you, try to play with baby ones, ask yourself what it is you fear about them and work on changing that belief.