Was there an animal you were scared of as a child? Are you still?

B Natural answer

As a child, I was afraid of snakes because they moved so fast and looked unpredictable. I remember seeing one in the zoo and stepping back right away. My teacher tried to explain that most snakes just want to stay away from people, but I still felt a little nervous. Now I understand them better, so I am not terrified anymore. I would not pick one up, of course, but I can look at pictures or see one outside without panicking.

Key phrases in this answer

• snakes — long, legless reptiles“Snakes make some people nervous.”
• in the zoo — at a zoo, where animals are kept for viewing“We saw a lion in the zoo last summer.”
• a little nervous — slightly worried or uneasy“I felt a little nervous before I touched the turtle.”
• a big dog — a large dog“A big dog was sleeping by the gate.”
• kept my distance — stayed away from something“I kept my distance until I knew the dog was calm.”
• black cats — cats with black fur“Black cats are common pets in my neighborhood.”