Like so many other animals, if you leave them alone, they will usually leave you alone too.
But, if you pick them up and play with them, will they play with you too?
Snakes are nice and easy. Not like fuzzy tailed rodents who will bite clear through your finger.
You are right, squirrels, chipmunks, muskrats and all sorts of furry, fuzzy little guys can be real jerks and have a much worse bite!