Fear of snakes, known as ophidiophobia, is an incredibly common phobia. According to numerous studies, ophidiophobia affects an estimated one-third of the population. That’s approximately 2.7 billion people around the world scared of snakes! Whether it’s the slithering motion, sinister-looking eyes, or the stigma associated with evil-related legends and myths, there’s no denying the prevalence of ophidiophobia.
To learn more about ophidiophobia, we’ve gathered some eye-opening fear of snakes statistics. Here are in excess of 150 of the top facts that you need to know about this universal fear:
A study from 1988 to 1995 in the United States showed that nearly one-third of all Americans have an intense fear of snakes.
In the same study, it was discovered that women are twice as likely to suffer from ophidiophobia than men.
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The majority of individuals who experience extreme fear or anxiety reactions when faced with snakes are categorized as intense phobics.
A study from 2014 showed that fear of snakes is most common among people between the ages of 20 and 39.
According to a study from 2003, ophidiophobia is the third most common animal phobia next to rodent and insect phobias.
In another 2003 study, it was suggested that ophidiophobia affects 25% of small children, with the majority being between the ages of 4 and 6.
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In an analysis of 1136 people sampled in the UK, 79% reported a general fear of snakes, while 59% described an intense fear of snakes.
An analysis of 1500 people surveyed in the Netherlands revealed that the prevalence rate of ophidiophobia ranges from 14% to 73%.
In a survey of 1000 people from England, 783 reported some level of fear or anxiety when exposed to snakes.
In a survey conducted opposite 1000 people from Germany, fear of snakes was found to range from 16% to 80%.
In a survey of 1000 people from Italy, fear of snakes was found to range from 21% to 68%.
Among the 1136 people surveyed in the U.S., fear of snakes was found to range from 15% to 58%.
When it comes to prehistoric origin, the fear of snakes likely evolved from the threat of being injured or killed by a venomous snake.
A study conducted in 2011 revealed that participants who rated their snake fear as intense had a tendency to overestimate the size of a snake.
For children and adolescents, ophidiophobia may stem from seeing a family member’s fear of snakes or being exposed to a negative image or story about a snake.
In a study from 2001, it was discovered that some sufferers of ophidiophobia tend to report bloody images and experiences with snakes.
In a small study from 2015, it was revealed that people with a fear of snakes also experienced anxiety in terms of other fears such as heights, flying, and tunnels.
In terms of medical treatments, cognitive behavior therapy and medications have both been successful in treating ophidiophobia.
In a survey conducted opposite 1000 people in the United States, 67% reported ophidiophobia and the presence of heightened heart rate and shaking.
A 2012 study highlighted the fact that individuals with ophidiophobia may experience colder hands and feet and an overall chill in the body.
In an analysis of 1000 people in the United States, 30% reported crying, sweating, an inability to breathe, and an urge to flee when exposed to a snake.
According to a study from 2005, sufferers of ophidiophobia experience increased levels of dehydration, heart rate, and pupil dilation when exposed to a snake.
In a small survey of 100 people from Italy, fear of snakes was found to increase significantly when the snake was viewed directly.
An analysis of 1000 people from Australia showed that 6 out of 10 of those surveyed experienced increased levels of anxiety prior to being exposed to a snake.
In a survey of 1000 people from Canada, fear of snakes was found to increase significantly when the snake was identified as venomous.
Fear of snakes is also prevalent in many animals, including primates, cats, and dogs.
Ophidiophobia is more common among children and adolescents, which suggests that it is more likely to be learned than inborn.
In a study conducted in the United States, it was revealed that those with a fear of snakes also suffer from increased anxiety in other areas related to life, such as job stress, social interaction, and academic performance.
Numerous studies suggest that learning to recognize the various types of snakes and how to safely interact with them can reduce the fear of snakes.
In another survey Welcome to fear of snakes statistics.
Did you know that snakes are the most feared animal in the world, with over 150 million people suffering from ophidiophobia?
That’s a lot of people!
In this article, we’ll explore some interesting facts and statistics about this widespread phobia.
ready to be surprised?
Let’s get started.
1. Over 150 million people around the world suffer from ophidiophobia.
2. Women are twice as likely as men to be afraid of snakes.
3. The fear of snakes is thought to be evolutionary and dates back to when our ancestors lived in trees.
4. Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica.
5. There are over 3,000 species of snakes in the world.
6. The average lifespan of a snake is 10-25 years.
7. The largest snake in the world is the reticulated python which can grow up to 33 feet long.
8. The smallest snake in the world is the thread snake which only grows to be 4 inches long.
9. The majority of snakes are not venomous.
10. Only 20% of snakebites are fatal.
11. The United States has the highest number of snakebite deaths in the world.
12. The black mamba is the fastest snake in the world and can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour.
13. The king cobra is the largest venomous snake in the world and can grow up to 18 feet long.
14. The king cobra’s venom is enough to kill an elephant.
15. The average weight of a snake is 10-15 pounds.
16. The average size of a snake is 6-8 feet long.
17. Snakes can see in color.
18. Snakes have a good sense of smell.
19. Snakes can feel vibrations in the ground.
20. Snakes do not have eyelids.
21. Snakes shed their skin every 4-6 weeks.
22. Snakes are often killed out of fear, even though they are beneficial to ecosystems.
23. It is estimated that humans kill 100 million snakes each year.
24. In some cultures, snakes are considered to be good luck.
25. In ancient Egypt, snakes were worshipped as gods.
26. In Greek mythology, the goddess Athena had a snake as her companion.
27. Snakes are often used in traditional Chinese medicine.
28. It is believed that Cleopatra wore a necklace of asp snakes.
29. The Bible mentions snakes a number of times, including the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
30. The fear of snakes is known as ophidiophobia.
31. The fear of snakes is one of the most common phobias in the world.
32. Ophidiophobia is thought to be evolutionary and dates back to when our ancestors lived in trees.
33. The fear of snakes is thought to be innate and does not need to be learned.
34. Ophidiophobia is a type of specific phobia.
35. Specific phobias are irrational fears of specific objects or situations.
36. Ophidiophobia is a debilitating phobia that can severely affect sufferers.
37. Ophidiophobia can lead to anxiety,panic attacks, and avoidance of snake-related activities.
38. Ophidiophobia is often treated with exposure therapy,which involves gradually exposing the patient to their fear in a safe and controlled environment.
39. Ophidiophobia can also be treated with medication, such as antidepressants and beta-blockers.
40. Ophidiophobia is a serious phobia that should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know suffers from ophidiophobia, please seek professional help.
