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Aaaw!! Rat Snakes are harmless and do a lot by way of mice and rat control. <-- This is my Mirkey when he was a pup. He's a Grey Rat Snake, about 6' now and just wants a snuggle every now and then. He even takes hand fed and never so much as given me a nip. Well once he mis-judged a strike and caught my hand but spat me out when he realised I was inedible. No damage.
I understand some peoples phobias but if there is a chance of seeing one on your travels try to understand that they are more afraid of you and not the savage beasts as portrayed in Snakes on a Plane!
Even a 5' Mexican Black Kingsnake can't do much in the way of serious damage, although not for the want of trying. They are called King Snake for a reason. This is Fester being a little over ambitious when peckish.
I'm not trying to scare you or act the hero. I'm trying to show that even a fairly large snake can't do much harm unless you are close up to it. Meaning 2 or 3 feet. This obviously applies to non-venomous snakes. Best to learn a little identification and just avoid them. But please, please, don't kill them because of your fear. Believe me they are fascinating creatures and will not hunt you down and eat you.