Biblically speaking, it's likely due to the fall and the curses involved in Genesis. It is prophesied that after messiah/Jesus returns and things are going to change back for the better in that the child will be able to play at the hole of a cobra without fear of being poisoned and the lamb will be safe with the lion. All animals will then become vegetarians. What makes the difference? Possibly the fact that it is also prophesied that during this time Satan will be confined to the
bottomless pit
In the mean time why should anyone be wondering why the aversion to poisonous life threatening creature types? The fact that there are poisonous snakes leads many to avoid all snakes, especially those not having knowledge about them. By the time you figure out which kind you're encountering it may be too late.
Imo, inhabited areas of the world can do fine without rattlers and copperheads. There's plenty of others to do their need jobs for the ecology.