Snakes

I am sure that you are aware that excessive fear of anything is a phobia. "Excessive" is defined by the extent to which that fear keeps a person from participating in "normal" activities. If the person who has the phobic reaction wants or needs to do something that may be threatening, they can chose to seek out assistance in desensitizing themselves. For example, years ago I did excercises to help me with fear of flying because I needed to fly in my job. On the other hand, I have never worried about desensitizing to my fear of close spaces, I just avoid them. Snakes are probably the most common phobia found in human beings but most urban dwellers do just fine. For those who have a real desire to hike or explore the out-of-doors, it can be very difficult. Cognitive therapy directed at the specific fear can also be helpful. lizzie