The Most Common Phobias

Don't like spiders and snakes? Join the club!
By Marie Morris,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 31, 2009 3:07 PM CDT
The Most Common Phobias
Keeper John Mostyn lets a diamond python wrap itself around his head at Sydney Wildlife World, Oct. 1, 2009.   (AP Photo)

In honor of Halloween, LiveScience reveals the most common phobias. If you still need a costume, you'll scare the most people by playing on their evolutionarily sensible fear of creatures with venomous fangs. The top terrors:

  1. Snakes
  2. Spiders and other "creepy crawlies"
  3. Places that are difficult to escape, such as elevators
  4. Other people
  5. Heights

  1. The dark
  2. Bad weather, especially thunder and lightning
  3. Flying
  4. Dogs
  5. The dentist
(More phobias stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X