In Sweden, snakes have woken up due to spring warmth, according to official sources. Some people find snakes scary because they are poisonous, but fear of snakes can usually be cured, officials say. Animal educator Cate Lagesson Gräns at Realgymnasiet in Växjö says they do not force anyone to touch the snake.
Stina Jäderberg has cured her fear of snakes and holds a ball python during the interview. Most pet snakes are calm, officials note, and the snake Pikachu is neither aggressive nor poisonous. Pikachu kills its prey by squeezing it.
It is important to read up on snakes, as they just want to be left alone, so handling should be brief. The snake is a wild animal, but it was born and raised in captivity elsewhere. If released into its natural environment, the snake would not survive, emphasizing the need for care.
It is unknown how many people in Sweden have a fear of snakes or what specific methods are used to cure snake phobia.