Buck up there Girl! We Canadians are a tough breed! Now you might freak at bit at my suggestion.
Have some one help you CATCH one and HOLD it for a while ( okay a little one). Then you can see how delicate and silky they feel. The more you get to know them the more you will appreciate them and be less afraid. Still, I am ALWAYS startled when I come across a snake but not frightened
MaryKatherine