The fact that some people just don't like snakes is categorically not a justifiable reason to discourage their study. Neither is ignorance or land owner paranoia. On the other hand, researchers should get permission before going onto private property, even though snakes do not recognize human boundary lines. In any case, compromise must be reached if we are to increase our knowledge of the natural world while respecting the rights of others. It all comes back to learning to share.
Earth is a big piece of pie, and more and more people are nibbling away at it.
But it's as big as it's going to get.