Are snakes looking for every opportunity to attack humans? The answer is an emphatic NO!
How can I know this? - It is because most snakes have some form of THREAT DISPLAY.
What is a THREAT DISPLAY?
It is a warning. Danger. Go away.
Snakes have different strategies of survival in the wild. Most follow the pattern below.
First. Concealment. If they are not seen then they will not be hurt.
Second. Retreat. Move away at the first sign of danger or at the first opportunity provided. This is why it is hard to catch wild snakes - they slither away from you!
Third. If cornered, approached or surprised - Give a warning - Show a threat display.
Last. STRIKE.
If Snakes attacked humans like humans attack snakes - we would be in trouble.
This photo shows a Black Mamba giving a WARNING. Drawing his head back into a striking position. Flattening his neck (a little like a cobra spreading a hood). Opening his mouth revealing the black inside. It is giving an audible hisssss.
One of two things will happen now - (i) If the threat to the snake steps back - the mamba will quickly disappear. (ii) If the threat to the snake does not retreat or if it moves forward - the mamba will strike.