Sometimes, the fear of snakes is caused by a remembered event. For example, someone who was badly bitten by a snake, especially a venomous one, may be overcome with fear if they encounter the same type of snake later in life. More often, though, the fear of snakes isn't a rational fear. My mom was never threatened or bitten by a snake. She has no idea why she's afraid, but her fear is strong and abiding.
Western culture teaches that snakes are deceptive and evil.
According to the Bible, it was Satan in the form of a serpent that enticed Eve to take a bite of the forbidden apple. A tentative truce My husband, Paul, and I have kept snakes and other reptiles for all of the 25 years we've been married. Early in our marriage, if we had a snake out of its cage when my mother came over to visit, she would leave the house until we put the snake away. She wouldn't look at snakes in cages, either. We wouldn't mention snakes or expect her to acknowledge them.