Humans aren't born with an innate fear of snakes, but we have a strong, evolved predisposition to quickly detect and learn to fear them due to their historical threat as predators, making it easier to develop ophidiophobia ( fear of snakes) compared to non-threatening objects like flowers, even if we aren't afraid as infants. This "preparedness" helps us survive, as ancient humans who learned to avoid venomous snakes were more likely to live and reproduce, favoring those with heightened awareness, say researchers.
Humans are born with only two innate fears: falling and loud noises. These instinctual responses are essential for protecting us from danger, triggering our body's fight- or-flight reaction through the brain's amygdala.
Some researchers think that we inherit snake and spider fear through our biology. The reasoning is that snakes and spiders were some of our (and by “our,” I mean mammals) most ancient predators, and over the centuries, we have evolved a natural fear of these animals. Some research supports this idea.
Studies suggest fear of snakes is learned, not hardwired. Infant experiments show babies react with neutral curiosity unless fear is reinforced through experience or social cues. Humans may be born with extra attention to potential threats, but the fear itself develops over time.
Back away slowly without turning your back too suddenly; small backward steps are fine. Maintain visual contact so you know where it is. If you must move past it, keep a wide arc (several body lengths) around the snake's head and avoid stepping over or near it. Do not attempt to grab, prod, or kill the snake.
To repel snakes immediately, use strong scents like vinegar, cinnamon oil, clove oil, or ammonia-soaked rags placed near entry points; strong smells like garlic, onion, or sulfur also work, as do natural barriers like marigolds or dense mulch, but the most effective immediate repellents rely on overwhelming their senses with pungent, irritating odors. Remember, while these deter snakes, habitat modification (removing hiding spots, food sources) is key for long-term control.
Predatory attacks on humans are extremely rare and limited to a few large constrictor species (non- venomous), such as reticulated pythons. But some snakes are damn too aggressive! Snakes are also in to challenges. They see human or other large species as threat.
Despite popular belief, snakes do not actively hunt or chase humans. Most species prefer to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary conflict, so they will usually retreat if given space.
A new study suggests that all humans have a "genetic phobia" of snakes, due partly to a long evolutionary history in which pythons preyed on people.
Humans are born with only two innate fears: falling and loud noises. These instinctual responses are essential for protecting us from danger, triggering our body's fight- or-flight reaction through the brain's amygdala.
You should never squish a spider because it can release dozens of baby spiders if it's a mother carrying eggs, attract pests with released pheromones, cause allergic reactions from its internal fluids, leave stains and odors, and you'd be killing a beneficial predator that controls other insect populations. Most spiders are harmless to humans, and squishing them can backfire, worsening pest problems or causing messes.
1. Social Phobia: Fear of Social Interactions. Also known as Social Anxiety Disorder, social phobias are by far the most common fear or phobia our Talkspace therapists see in their clients.
Thanks to the developed vestibular apparatus, cats are not afraid of heights and can deftly walk on cornices, roofs and other heights. If they are to fall, they turn over in the air with their back up, spread their paws wide to the sides and land on all fours.
Humanity's greatest fear is not the unknown, it's the certainty of death. And we've been coping with it artistically since time immemorial.
Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia is a specific phobia, meaning that someone with this condition would experience intense, irrational anxiety or fear when faced specifically with the number 666.
Unfortunately, to many owners' dismays, snakes lack the brain structures to feel emotion, but do have the ability to trust you. Despite this, snakes can be very loveable in their behaviour as they can recognise you. Pet snakes tend to use their owners as climbing trees and will wrap around them for warmth.
They don't want to hurt you
“Snakes are not out to get you,” Lyttle said. “If anything, they are afraid of humans. We are huge giants compared to them, looking over them and making all sorts of loud noises.” Most snakes aren't aggressive, but some have clever tricks to keep humans and potential predators at bay.
Snakes don't feel love or emotion as humans do, and that's because of the simpler construction of their brains, which don't have the structure necessary for processing complex feelings. However, they show behavioral expressions that show their simple response to the environment such as contentment or stress.
If a snake appears to be staring at you, it's not out of curiosity or malice; snakes don't have eyelids, so their eyes are always open. A snake's “stare” is just it staying still to assess its surroundings or gauge threats.
Snakes can recognise their owners by scent, movement, and routine. They can become comfortable and tolerant of handling and may behave differently around familiar versus unfamiliar people. But they don't feel affection, love, or attachment the way mammals do.
First and foremost, the cold. Temperatures lower than 60° impairs their ability to protect themselves. Very often it is standing their ground when having to deal w/ humans.
A snake's biggest enemies are a diverse group of predators, with the mongoose, honey badger, and various raptors (like eagles, secretary birds) being top contenders due to their speed, fearlessness, and specialized hunting skills; even other snakes, like kingsnakes, prey on them. These predators exploit a snake's vulnerability to swift attacks, often targeting their heads and relying on speed or natural defenses against venom to win confrontations.
The snakes in our study responded to this sound, and many significantly so. So it's probably safe to say snakes can hear people speaking loudly or screaming. That doesn't mean they can't hear someone talking (a normal conversation is about 60 decibels) – we just didn't test sound at this noise level.
Here is what you should do: