America’s Top 10 Worst Fears

Good news for Montanans:  The top fear most Americans have is snakes.  Montana is only home to one venomous snake, the western rattler, and it comes with its own built in alarm system. I know if you've got a thing about snakes, you probably don't care whether it's poisonous or not, but in the 14 years I've lived here, I've only seen two snakes.  Growing up in Tennessee, I used to see them every day during the sunny months; literally every day.

So, what are the other things that scare Americans?  Here is the top 10 fears held by Americans according to SWNS's recent survey of 2,000 people:

1. Snakes. 51% of us are afraid of them to some degree.

2. Heights, 38%.

3. The dentist, 23%.

4. Confined spaces, a.k.a. claustrophobia, 21%.

5. Needles, also 21%.

6. Clowns, 18%.

7. Public speaking, 17%.

8. The dark, 15%.

9. Flying, 14%.

10. Birds, 5%.

If I were a dentist, I would be a little offended that I ranked third, just behind snakes and heights.