Everyone is entitled to their personal preference, but we can't let our preference govern what we claim the Scripture says. The Scripture says nothing about snakes being evil. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent was cursed above all animals for letting itself be used by Satan to bring about the fall of man. Please note, however, the serpent was not the only animal cursed. All the animals were cursed, however, the serpent was cursed more for the role it played. If we are going to say snakes are evil because they were cursed, so is every other animal on planet earth, and humans themselves! Rather absurd.
While snakes were prohibited to be eaten, I find it hard to believe that it was because they were 'evil.' The dietary laws were for the health of the Israelites. The flip side can be applied as well that if snakes were unclean because they were 'evil', are owls, dogs, and all the other unclean animals 'evil'?
In regards to symbology, it is true that satan is referred to as a serpent. He is also referred to as a lion. Do we claim the lion is 'evil' as well? I don't think so. Interestingly, Christians are commanded to be like the snake: wise. Mat_10:16.
As to the possibility of someone getting hurt and that being un-christian, I can't see where that is Scripture based. It is totally absurd to think that people should not be allowed to keep snakes just because someone doesn't like them. The Scriptures mention this about dangerous animals: Exo_21:28 If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. If we read on in that chapter, we find guidelines for what to do with rogue animals. It all hinges on responsibility. In the OT times, if the owner of the ox (which obviously was capable of harming and even killing people) was aware that his ox had hurt people, and he had done nothing about it, then he was responsible for what that animal did and had to pay the penalty. The same applies to snake-keeping. Whoever keeps a snake should be responsible. If they do something irresponsible, such as let a rattlesnake loose into their neighbor's yard or continue to let kids to pet their python when it repeatedly bites people, then they should have to pay the penalty. Things become absurd when we lay down rigid laws such as "You can't keep snakes," and such. We already have enough crazy restrictions. Ultimately, Jesus is the only solution to the mess this world is in, not more laws and regulations.
I have some friends who keep snakes. I personally wouldn't mind to either, if it wasn't for the fact I don't have the money to spend on them! The Bible doesn't mention whether or not to keep them, neither does it condemn or praise them either. If someone wanted to keep a snake, provided that they are sensible and responsible about it, i have absolutely no issue with it. Everyone has different tastes, that's the way God made us. It would be a dull world if we all liked the same things and did the same things.