Removing them from their environment would harm the entire ecosystem and would deprive us of some of the most fascinating animals on Earth. Culture, religion, mythology, and misinformation influence our beliefs about snakes. Some people revere them, some people loathe them, while others regard them as mystical messengers. Snakes are misunderstood, but one thing is for certain people have strong beliefs and feelings about snakes. Perhaps these beliefs are the basis for many of our misconceptions and fears about these reptiles.
Snakes play an important role in our natural environment.
While some snakes, especially venomous ones, have posed problems for humans, these animals also control pests that eat crops and spread disease. The biggest threats to snakes worldwide include habitat destruction and trade in wildlife products such as medicine, boots, bags, and belts. Some snake species have been brought to the brink of extinction, often before we knew enough to save them.