Hikers may startle a basking snake on a trail. Usually these encounters end peacefully. Snakes are shy, and if left alone, will flee rather than attack. If provoked, however, a snake may bite to defend itself. Like all wild animals, snakes deserve a healthy respect.
Snakes are among the many creatures that play a critical role in the natural world.
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.