Many people are afraid of snakes, I think that in many cases is a learned behavior. The snakes have been stigmatised in some cultures because they believe that they represent the devil, dark things, mystery or occult. However others are revered him and are symbols of wisdom.
I think that it is an animal which we must care for and respect. Snakes are important in our planet because they control pests that can cause an ecological imbalance.
The snakes attack only if they feel threatened. Some people kill them, big mistake.
The best is to call specialists herpetologos if you stumble with any species that could be poisonous or big bite and size.