I was raised on a farm and there was a huge black snake that lived in the barn and specifically in the grain bin. Dad was adamant about not harming his snake because that critter could eat his weight in rats and mice. We learned to give him a wide berth and not disturb him. That being said I am scared to death of any kind of snake no matter how small. We don't see them often here but I wouldn't like coming across one while weeding. I wear heavy vinyl gloves outside and long pants and tennis shoes so I'm pretty well protected against the odd thing that crops up. Spiders are another thing I can't stand.