can a python tell whos its owner is?

[aksledneck907]

do you think that a python is able to realize who its owner is weather it be by sight or scent?

[Ophiuchus]

Is there an option for "maybe?"

I've discovered that sometimes, when I take my BP out and other people are holding him...if I'm close by, he'll seem to want to come back to me (via stretching away from them to me). The only thing I can come up with to explain this is that, over the years, he has become familiar with my body scent and associates that with security, ergo, he is more "secure" with me holding him rather than someone else.

[pilot511]

I said yes, I'm not 100% sure, the only thing I can tell is that at least with the bp, when I hold him he stretches out, comfortable, relaxed....if my roomate grabs him or something he stays balled up and it takes him a minute or two to really stretch out or anyhting

[jeffjr464]

they know your scent and associate it with safety,food, and warmth

[chetman7]

I said yes, I'm not 100% sure, the only thing I can tell is that at least with the bp, when I hold him he stretches out, comfortable, relaxed....if my roomate grabs him or something he stays balled up and it takes him a minute or two to really stretch out or anyhting

+1 mine does that too. In my care, he loves venturing off and exploring. but with anyone else, he is very cautious

[bsd13]

When I open their tubs up they climb right into my hands. When others put their hands in the tubs they go into their hides. I assume that to mean they "recognize" me.

Oh and I seem to be the only one who handles them that they like to poop on. So again, I suppose that means they recognize me.

[chetman7]

When I open their tubs up they climb right into my hands. When others put their hands in the tubs they go into their hides. I assume that to mean they "recognize" me.

Oh and I seem to be the only one who handles them that they like to poop on. So again, I suppose that means they recognize me.

damn...my ball has not pooped on my yet...I guess he doesn't love me lol

[edie]

Maybe comfort levels pay a part in this as well? Animals can usually tell if someone is stressed/uncomfortable. Maybe the snakes can sense that you are comfortable with them so they feel safe, but when put in new, nervous, hands they can sense the uncertainty of the person handling them.

This could only apply to tame snakes though, I'm not trying to imply that all animals feel good about you just because you're comfortable with them!

[giaach]

It seems that after handling them trust is established between the snake and the owner. Kingsley will let me pet his head or move him around without a problem: something he seems a little more apprehensive of when other people try.

my 2 cents

[reptile3]

they know your scent and associate it with safety,food, and warmth

Yes, that is how I feel too!!! George knows who I am, cause I also talk to him too!! LOL