Throughout history snakes have either been feared or revered.

Snakes are very powerful, just the thought of one can bring on the "hee-bee-jee-bees."

Snakes are also mystical and often those who are fearful of them have never had a "bad snake" experience.

Talk about a new start -- snakes get new skin about four to six times a year.

Prior to the shedding process, the reptile's markings become obscure and its eyes appear opaque or blue -- which gives it a trance-like appearance.

Snakes smell with their tongues and have no eyelids. They seem to stare right into their victim.

Snakes don't have outer ears, although they have inner ears that feel vibrations -- which pass through the ground to the body of the snake.

Snakes are often killed for their skins, or simply out of fear. Their habitats are also being disturbed and destroyed by humans, or invaded by other more aggressive animals.

Even in total darkness, some snakes can see and then capture their prey by using super-sensitive heat sensors to zero in on the warmth given off by the prey's bodies.

Whether you are afraid or intrigued by snakes, the creature also has a colorful past with religions and cultures of the world.

* Snake worship found expression in both the Aztec and Toltec periods of prehistoric Mexican culture.

* The snake signified wisdom and was a symbol of fertility among the Dionysian culture.

* The serpent appears in several Biblical references, but is most known for its appearance in the Garden of Eden -- which is interpreted as the fall of humanity in the book of Genesis.

* Other Biblical references include Numbers 21:6-8, among others.

* Snake gods are celebrated in Hinduism -- in which they are associated with wealth and healthy life and are said to act as great protectors when people meet difficulties in their life.

* In Native American lore, snakes are powerful totems that signify wisdom, healing and intuition as well as symbolize eternity. The snake totem is also a protector and guardian.

I had a snake dream the other night, oddly enough I wasn't afraid.

In my dream, I was riding a bike and happened to look down and notice several black snakes wriggling underneath the bike in perfect zig-zag patterns.

I kept on riding, never losing my balance.