Snakes are a common phobia. My fear is extreme. Since I decided to hike the AT I figured I must face this fear. I don't want to come across a rattler and panic because I know you must remain calm backing off slowly. The fear in general will make it hard in completely the trail. Anyways a week ago I went to a pet store and after 3 hours of building up courage I held a ball python. I felt good afterwards. Almost a sense of empowerment. I held a baby and than a full grown. But....they don't move too much. Days later I was going to try other snakes. Yeah....couldn't do it. They moved way too much and the employee said it may or more likely will slither up your arm. It was a corn snake. The other was a California King Snake which they probably wouldn't even let me hold if I wanted too because of their tendency to strike. Anyways, I did face my fear. I held the ball python but I felt very discouraged when attempted to to hold the corn snake. I'm not afraid of being bitten. It's their movement that scares me. Any tips or advice. All I can think of is to simply just do it.