Where I grew up most of the snakes are copperheads, water moccasins, rattle snakes and a few coral snakes, all poisonous. Is it any wonder I hate snakes?
All venomous. Slight difference, but there you go. None of those animals are ‘malicious’. They will try pretty hard to get away from you and bite in defense. Obviously you are not prey, therefore you are a predator. And so, by your attitude, you do in fact, justify their bite response.
They have a place, same as any other. They do not deserve hate. A healthy respect will do much more.