How to Overcome Fear of Snakes

Many of the world’s population fear snakes. In fact, ophidiophobia, fear of snakes is one of the most common phobias. Jill Zimmerman of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia became interested in snakes after finding a big python on her front deck and contacting a snake catcher.

[Jill Zimmerman, Volunteer Wildlife Carer, Wild Spirit]:

“I realised through the teachings from him that they are very misunderstood. So now I choose to teach people and spread the knowledge and my experience with snakes.”

A wildlife carer for over 20 years, Jill realized injuries to snakes were usually the result of people’s ignorance.

[Jill Zimmerman, Volunteer Wildlife Carer, Wild Spirit]:

“Unfortunately because of their fear or misunderstanding of snakes, lack of knowledge, most of the injuries are from people trying to kill them or to hurt them.”

Jill founded Wild Spirit through which she educates and raises awareness of snakes’ role in our environment.

[Jill Zimmerman, Volunteer Wildlife Carer, Wild Spirit]:

“The reason Wild Spirit came to me is that all wild animals have a spirit and I am just amazed that people don’t understand that.”

Jill aims to dispel people’s fears through education.

[Jill Zimmerman, Volunteer Wildlife Carer, Wild Spirit]:

“I’d never use the word ‘aggressive’ for a snake. No snake, not even your venomous is wondering around out there wanting to get a human. But can they be defensive? Certainly.”

So what should you do when you see a snake?

[Jill Zimmerman, Volunteer Wildlife Carer, Wild Spirit]:

“You stand still when you see a snake; that is your best defence. Snakes do not bite things that stand still. If you stand totally still you can be a tree to that snake”.

What about the myth that venomous snakes are now breeding with non-venomous snakes?

[Jill Zimmerman, Volunteer Wildlife Carer, Wild Spirit]:

“There is absolutely no way a venomous snake can interbreed with a python. It is totally impossible. Their anatomy does not allow it”.  

So next time you see a snake remember that it’s an important part of our environment to be respected, not feared.

NTD News

Sunshine Coast

Australia