Many people have a phobia of snakes. Why does it bother you?
Yes, I know it’s (somewhat) irrational. But that’s what phobias are.
It’s natural to be frightened of them, considering that some can actually kill you.
I just don’t understand why certain people are bothered if other people have an understandable fear of the creatures. My phobia doesn’t affect you in any way.
Why does it bother me? Because people killing these animals is harming not only the ecosystem but our safety. Snakes are the number one defense against the spread of rodent borne disease. Rodents can carry up to 200 diseases and parasites that can harm or kill us. When you get into the habit of killing their number one predator, you allow those rodents to propagate and spread these diseases and parasites. So, you killing a snake effects more than just you. You can end up harming others. Look up diseases like rat bite fever, rocky mountain spotted fever, Lymes disease... or some of the parasites they carry... intestinal parasites, ticks, mites, etc. Hell, research the Black Plague.
You increase the risk of bite and injury or death by trying to kill the snake than just leaving it alone to go on it’s way. Getting close enough to kill it with a shovel means you are close enough to get bit. This happens more and more. Standing back and shooting it is one of the most irresponsible uses of a gun out there. Two years ago, a little girl was killed by a ricochet when a cop shot at a snake in Virginia. He didn’t know there was a rock under the dirt under the snake. He missed the snake by the way. It was a harmless water snake. I believe the girl was 6 or 7 years old.
People lose all rational thought around these animals. It’s okay if you don’t like them or fear them but for God’s sake, don’t do something stupid like killing it. Let it go on it’s way. It wants nothing to do with you.
So, yes, your phobia can affect quite a few people and in a very bad way.
Thankfully, insurance companies are starting to deny coverage to people that are bitten as a result of them trying to kill a venomous snake when they could have left it alone. Crofab, the antivenom of choice in the US for most venomous snake bites is VERY expensive. A single dose can run upwards of $150,000. Most bites require 5-8 doses. And it’s not a fun experience. By trying to kill the snake, your chances of being bit go up exponentially. Now, combine that with the denial of medical coverage... Is it worth it? Is it worth someone’s life to let your phobia overtake rational thought?
Snakes won’t chase you. They don’t want to seek you out to bite you. They want nothing to do with us. We are giant scary monsters that might eat them in their eyes. Leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone. Just be aware of your surroundings and avoid them... that’s all there is to it.