Spiders and snakes, two most common fears people experience

“I don’t like spiders and snakes…” are the lyrics to the catchy 1970s tune by singer Jim Stafford. Although the song has little to do with wildlife, the sentiment holds true for many whose fear, when they cross paths with a common snake or spider, is real even when the perceived danger isn’t.  

Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, and Ophidiophobia, the fear of snakes, are the two most common phobias people experience about animals and wildlife. A phobia is a strong, irrational fear of something that presents little to no actual danger. The best way to control these fears is to educate yourself on the subject or to avoid the source altogether. 

However, if you enjoy outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, camping or even just setting up the backyard barbeque, chances are eventually you will run into one of these creatures.