Proof that snakes can be affectionate

I know I've mentioned this topic before but I now have video evidence to back my statements, whether you believe it to be affection or not I will always think it is and my heart melts every time Crowley does this. I know there are a lot of mixed feelings about this topic but I wanted to share my experience, keep in mind I've put a lot of work into this little guy and it's payed off.


The video is of Crowley being very cuddly and affectionate with me. He keeps giving me hugs and is being so very mushy with me. He lets me pet his head and give him kisses on the head and chin. He stays on my nose like he's giving me a hug and stays in that position to hold the hug. If this isn't affection then I don't know what is. Crowley makes it very obvious that he loves his humans.


I have put a lot of work into this little ball python, starting from having 20 minutes out a day when he was a baby to gradually going up to 4 hours out any day he chooses to come out, which is pretty much daily except for after eating and shed time. Crowley is the most spoiled snake ever, he has his own room to go roam around in, he gets so much love and attention and he just loves it.


Here is over 15 minutes of Crowley showing affection to prove it's not just a short video with a little coincidence that he landed on my nose making it look like a hug. He actually goes and stays on my nose to give hugs and does it multiple times throughout the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzXRFDfflGI

I enjoy cuddling my snakes as much as anyone, but no matter whether it's a snake, a dog, or even another human, I think "affection" is in the eye of the beholder.

A dog may lick our hands...maybe it's love, maybe it tastes good (salty), & likely it's social- seeking attention, care-giving or submission. Humans...well by the time
we've had a few "significant-others" we probably realize that we cannot assume that our partner feels the same as we do...we rely on words, & words may not be
true...sorry to spoil the surprise. :rolleyes:

Many of our snakes appear to enjoy a good cuddle once they learn we're not predators & that we're safe to be with...they enjoy our warmth & often seem to enjoy
our touch, but I wouldn't want to assume what's in their thoughts. We'll never really know. Crowley may well be fantasizing about a female BP right about now. ;)

Crowley must really trust you because rarely will you see a snake let you stroke and caress it's head like that, most BP's usually jerk back when you get near it's head. Pretty amazing the bond you two have. It shows you have gained his trust and as you say it must have took a quite a bit of handling. They like the warmth we provide.

Due to the germs they can carry ( like salmonella) I always wash with soap and water before and after handling. and use a disinfect wipe to wipe myself down with after handling.

Considering that snakes are wild animals at heart, I'm just happy when they're comfortable with me, without assuming or labeling it "affection".

It's no fun (IMO) to keep (confine) an animal, only to have it live in fear of you, because fear = stress for them, & stress affects their immune system & ultimately their health. So whenever possible, handling a snake so that it learns to relax with us is a win-win...it's relaxing & "in the moment" time for us, but it also helps our snakes to feel safe- to trust us to handle them. Considering that in nature, it's only a predator that picks them up, it's not always an easy thing for snakes to learn, but when they do, they may eat & function better long-term.

Im sorry, but that's by definition, anthropomorphising.

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but it's simply trust. My snakes all trust me, I can touch, grab, hold all of their heads. My newest BP will still flinch sometimes, but more often than not he doesn't.
This doesn't mean they love me. It means they trust me.

The snake wanting to be pressed up close to you makes perfect sense, from a scientific standpoint. It's obviously well known that snakes are cold blooded. Your body offers warmth. It's also well known that they crave security. Your body also offers that. Since the animal trusts you, it feels confident using your body for safety. The animal is protected and feels secure. Other predators aren't likely to attack a snake pressed against a human body.

I wouldn't call this video "PROOF" of affection however. Proving this would require the animals brain to be monitored to see what neurological changes take place when the snake comes in contact with you.

I'd feel safe saying this video is a great example of a snake acclimating to human contact and developing a trust.

I'm sorry, but the only love and affection in that video is OP loving her snake.
....and there's not a darn thing wrong with that.

Like Bogertophis said, affection is in the eye of the beholder. If you feel your animal loves you I support that 100%.
But proof....well, sorry but no.

That's so cool! My boy lets me rub the top of his head and under his chin as well - it's especially cute when I rub under his chin and he completely relaxes and tilts his head up like hes a little para-scope. He also arches his back like a cat when I lightly scritch him along his spine. Its wonderful when an animal trusts you that much.

What matters is that you clearly love Crowley. Based on your posts that I've seen, you obviously put a lot of time and care into making sure he lives the best life he possibly can. He's a very fortunate snake.

In regards to emotions, I ease on the side of caution when it comes to attributing human-level emotions to animals. But he clearly feels comfortable around you, and trusts you. It's a great feeling in of itself.



1.0 Pumpkin Pied BP, 0.1 Bearded dragon, 1.2 Leopard gecko, 0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog

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Originally Posted by Awesomethepossum

What matters is that you clearly love Crowley. Based on your posts that I've seen, you obviously put a lot of time and care into making sure he lives the best life he possibly can. He's a very fortunate snake.




1.0 Pumpkin Pied BP, 0.1 Bearded dragon, 1.2 Leopard gecko, 0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog

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Well said, I second this.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

Well said, I second this.

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Me too. :D Every snake should be so lucky.

One of the great parts of keeping several snakes is learning all their personalities. I have one that reminds me of your Crowley. Super chill. She will actually stop moving around and let me rub her head, and acts like she is enjoying it (don’t know if she is but who knows). I have one who will “huff” when I reach in and pick him up, but never shows any real signs of stress once I have him out (stiffening up, hiding his head, or actively trying to get away). It’s almost like a reflex for him to do that little huff every time I first pick him up. And my retic, that is a smart animal. He is ready to eat every time I come near. One touch with the hook, and he is out of food mode and will either slither back away, or crawl out into my hand. He gets to chose.


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Thank you all for the nice comments, affection in animals can be hard to determine and I like hearing everyone's opinion on it. My little Crowley makes me so happy when he does this, he is the best therapy pet ever and I love him so very much. He's super spoiled and deserves every bit of what he has, he can make the worst days better when he comes out at night, then I get to go to bed happy. :)

Most sources say snakes cannot be therapy animals but obviously, they haven't met Crowley! ;)

I don't care how it's labelled, affection, trust, seeking warmth and security, whatever, what matters is that it's clear you and Crowley truly have an amazing bond and it's wonderful to see. Crowley is obviously a very well-loved ball python, he looks super healthy, his scales are so shiny, and he seems very comfortable with being touched and being close to you, which is awesome :) It's so cool that he let's you give him head rubs like that! The way he rests his chin on your face is SO cute. He should be an ambassador for ball pythons and an example to all the people who are afraid of snakes out there.

Whether or not snakes can feel affection is a moot point for me, just having an animal's trust and willingness to be close to me is already enough of a reward in itself.

I also agree that snakes make surprisingly therapeutic pets. I find it very calming to hold my BP or let him sleep in my lap, and his adorable antics never fail to brighten my day. There also actually are snakes formally used in therapy by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

What a precious video! I agree that Crowley is a very special snake and he totally trusts you, and that's a wonderful thing! You've worked hard to earn that trust.

I too have a wonderful snake (a ratsnake) who I know recognizes me over others and prefers me-- when I let people hold her she comes back to me even though they are being gentle. She loves to hang out in my robe in the morning, and she lets me rub under her chin. It's a real gift to earn their trust.

I have worked with parrots too, and again you have to earn their trust because they are not domesticated. And when you work hard and they pay it back with trust, it's a wonderful feeling!

Another factor in this is that some animals are calmer than others and it's just inborn personality-- so you got very lucky with Crowley. We have another BP named Lucy who does not trust no matter how much we have worked with her. We know she's having a good day when she doesn't try to bite us!

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Originally Posted by ballpythonsrock2

Crowley must really trust you because rarely will you see a snake let you stroke and caress it's head like that, most BP's usually jerk back when you get near it's head. Pretty amazing the bond you two have. It shows you have gained his trust and as you say it must have took a quite a bit of handling. They like the warmth we provide.

Due to the germs they can carry ( like salmonella) I always wash with soap and water before and after handling. and use a disinfect wipe to wipe myself down with after handling.

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Imo you don’t need to do that. I’ve had reptiles for over 20 years and I’ve never washed my hands after handling, I’ve never gotten sick. I mean I guess it doesn’t hurt but it’s really not needed. Well unless they poop on you or something haha


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Very true, that not all snakes of any species are created equal from the start, as far as temperament. Some are naturally easier to tame, but nearly all can improve
when we're patient. It's no different than kids, when you think about it: it's up to us "snarents" to do all we can to bring out their best, & a mellow, relaxed snake is
a happy snake, if appearances & longevity are any indication.

I too am very "facial" about handling my snakes, which some criticize as risky- & it is, if you misread the snake you're working with...but I've had no facial bites or any
real damage from any snake nips over many years & many kinds of snakes. It's just that long ago I recognized the fear some snakes instinctively had of my face, as a
potential predator. Not wanting to get a surprise face bite (like when doing programs or sharing my snakes), I've always made it a point to show my snakes that they
have nothing to fear. That includes them being "in my face", being breathed on, getting chin rubs, & kissed on the top of their heads. This is only after they are com-
fortable with "regular" handling...handling a pet near your face is never rushed, it's never where you begin...it's "advanced work", but it pays off.

I've never had any snake bite me or anyone else while doing programs or sharing them with strangers handling them. A snake that truly trusts their owner tends to carry-over that trust with other people too, at least in my experience. And yes, it's a wonderful feeling of one-ness with nature, to have a "wild" creature that really trusts you. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just sit back & relax for a while as your snake learns to feel comfortable just climbing on you, with the least amount of "hands-on" holding. Just don't doze off or you'll be playing "hide & seek". :rolleyes:

Also, one big reason to get your snakes THIS relaxed about handling is that it really pays off if & likely when you need to help them physically or medically.
Developing & being able to demonstrate empathy for our pets makes them better pets & us, better humans. I've found when I'm 'in the moment' & totally
focused on helping an animal, it's as if they somehow know that & don't fight me...it's almost magical at times. Sorry if that sounds nutty, but when we're
relaxed & focused, it's as if our good intentions can be felt thru our touch by the snake (or other animal) we're trying to help.

One more thing- most of us realize our snakes are basically deaf, but I also talk to mine when handling them, & I think it seems to help us to express the sense of
safety & comfort we want our snakes to get from us by way our our touch. Our senses are linked together in our brain: just like someone who feels car-sick when
riding often does not have a problem when they're actually doing the driving (because your brain knows what your hands are doing & can anticipate the vehicle's
motion); by talking to a snake we're interacting with, we're more invested in the "conversation". Snakes know each other & know their enemies by how they are
touched (besides scent recognition etc), so the more "real" our touch becomes, the more relaxed they are. Our words often have a funny way of reinforcing what
we try to express other ways. :snake:

That's pretty cool that you and your snake are that comfortable with each other. I trust all but 2 of my snakes but I don't let ANY of them near my face.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

One more thing- most of us realize our snakes are basically deaf, but I also talk to mine when handling them, & I think it seems to help us to express the sense of
safety & comfort we want our snakes to get from us by way our our touch. Our senses are linked together in our brain: just like someone who feels car-sick when
riding often does not have a problem when they're actually doing the driving (because your brain knows what your hands are doing & can anticipate the vehicle's
motion); by talking to a snake we're interacting with, we're more invested in the "conversation". Snakes know each other & know their enemies by how they are
touched (besides scent recognition etc), so the more "real" our touch becomes, the more relaxed they are. Our words often have a funny way of reinforcing what
we try to express other ways. :snake:

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I'm always talking to Crowley like he's my little baby, well because he is. I always have to tell him when I'm going to bed as he's usually up and smushing wanting more missions when I go to bed, even if he's had 4 hours out. Of course he doesn't notice me by voice so sometimes I have to wait for his little head to turn around and notice me. I always move my head around a lot as they see motion better than me just sitting still. Sometimes he bounces with joy when he sees me and asks to come out again. Sometimes I give in and stay up late if it's not cold and dry outside his tank. I will be getting a humidifier for his room as winter is very dry here in Canada, one of those ultrasonic ones that don't get hot so it should be safe if he roams near it.

Snakes can however hear some things as they hear vibrations from the ground through their scales, correct me if I'm wrong but that is what I've heard. One day he was in shed mode, full cloudy blue eyes, he rarely shows himself in this state but I was passing the vacuum near his enclosure and that vacuum was so loud in that tiny apartment I had at the time. He came out looking like he wanted to strangle that noise machine. He had the full neck out and up looking directly at the vacuum, even though he was in blue. But for the most part, I can pretty much yell "Crowley!" as loud as I want and he won't hear me. One time I was talking to him trying to get his attention for like 2 minutes but he just never noticed me, I really tried to make him aware I was there but it didn't work. As I went to pick him up he jumped so hard that it made me jump just as bad. I felt terrible but he got over it faster than I did.

I'm glad snakes can't hear like most animals as Crowley sleeps during the day of course which is when my macaw is up and trust me that bird is soooooo loud. Doesn't bother the snake one bit and they live side by side. I'm also glad my bird, Jacob, isn't scared of Crowley, when he sees him when he gets up early I bring him up to the tank for him to see Crowley. Jacob calls Crowley a pretty bird and overall seems to like him.

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

... I trust all but 2 of my snakes but I don't let ANY of them near my face.

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That's OK, that's totally your call...we don't all have the same snakes, & even if we did, that doesn't mean they'd all have the same level of comfort with us.
If your gut says don't do it, then totally listen to your gut. :gj: It's not for everybody, nor for every snake. It's just that we have this video with Crowley that brought
up the subject. Some of us are more chummy with our snakes & other pets too than others may be, & I'm not suggesting that everyone should be...just trying to explain
what some of us do & why.

I think it is possible, but proof is a big word. Lack of evidence does not mean it does not exist though. Who really knows, domestication started with an animal who had genes to be potentially tame to people, and it builds from there. Some people say that cats are cold, aloof and not loyal pets, or that they are wild animals. Some even theorized that cats see us as big cats like their own, or that we are just a food source to them, or that we are there for them to own. Yea, that may all be true to some extent but I know my 3 cats love me the way a cat knows how to show affection to a person. I know that they care because they would show signs of stress when I went out of town, Gizmo would leave his favorite toy in front of my bedroom door, Happy loves to cuddle and sleep next to me, Freyja sitting on my lap over my husband's, or they would come running if I call their names. Even if someone was to tell me that they do all this for no reason other than I am there to meet their demands and needs (As one would expect from a cat slave, I mean, owner), so what. I don't need to proof anyone anything (I do have hundreds of pics but still...). With that said, I am not yet convinced that pet snakes can even reach that spectrum of affection and love. Not yet. At least, not enough to say there is actual proof. But that is what they initially said about pet cats decades ago.

P.S. yes, there are wild/feral cats out there. They are not the same as the ones you keep at home. Kittens that were not socialized properly by people within the first 3 months of their lives can gradually grow fearful of people, and eventually becoming feral, making taming afterwards very difficult to impossible the older they get. It takes so little effort and time to tame kittens when given the chance and make them into loving pets. So fostering baby kittens do more than just save lifes!

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Originally Posted by Valyndris

...Snakes can however hear some things as they hear vibrations from the ground through their scales, correct me if I'm wrong but that is what I've heard. One day he was in shed mode, full cloudy blue eyes, he rarely shows himself in this state but I was passing the vacuum near his enclosure and that vacuum was so loud in that tiny apartment I had at the time. He came out looking like he wanted to strangle that noise machine. He had the full neck out and up looking directly at the vacuum, even though he was in blue. But for the most part, I can pretty much yell "Crowley!" as loud as I want and he won't hear me...

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That's right, snakes do feel vibrations...things like a vacuum, for sure. They can feel bass notes* but not higher frequencies (like your voice & your macaw).

*We can feel bass notes too...put your hand on your snake's cage (glass or plastic) & you'll verify that, but it's just that we can also hear so well that we don't
need to use touch in that way...we sorta forget that we can. ;) My snakes give "dirty looks" when I vacuum near their cages too, LOL. They also look out if
I play loud music- again, stuff with more bass.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

That's right, snakes do feel vibrations...things like a vacuum, for sure. They can feel bass notes* but not higher frequencies (like your voice & your macaw).

*We can feel bass notes too...put your hand on your snake's cage (glass or plastic) & you'll verify that, but it's just that we can also hear so well that we don't
need to use touch in that way...we sorta forget that we can. ;) My snakes give "dirty looks" when I vacuum near their cages too, LOL. They also look out if
I play loud music- again, stuff with more bass.

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I listen to stuff with a lot of bass, back when the stereo was near his tank (tiny apartment problems) I'd feel his tank to see if I can feel the bass. I have turned it up too high a few times and he came out during the day looking miserable, poor little guy, of course when he did that we turned it down. It's amazing how you can tell facial features even though it doesn't even look like snakes can move they're brow or anything like that. The sunk in tired looking eyes said enough though. lol

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Originally Posted by Valyndris

I listen to stuff with a lot of bass, back when the stereo was near his tank (tiny apartment problems) I'd feel his tank to see if I can feel the bass. I have turned it up too high a few times and he came out during the day looking miserable, poor little guy, of course when he did that we turned it down. It's amazing how you can tell facial features even though it doesn't even look like snakes can move they're brow or anything like that. The sunk in tired looking eyes said enough though. lol

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The "looks" I get are more like "What? -is the sky falling!? :O " :rofl: Sorry snakes...I like music too....
I've also seen some snakes that act hungry (w/ loud bass music)...I'm guessing maybe the vibrations are similar to hunger pangs they feel?

From a biology view, maybe he likes the face the most because of bloodflow. Your face has more capillaries, and they are closer to the surface than most of the rest of your body. This is why small cuts on your face bleed so profusely. It also has a large surface area, and it may be acting as a 'heat mat.' As your level of enjoyment goes up, your bloodflow will increase causing the area to be even hotter.

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Originally Posted by GoatBoy

From a biology view, maybe he likes the face the most because of bloodflow. Your face has more capillaries, and they are closer to the surface than most of the rest of your body. This is why small cuts on your face bleed so profusely. It also has a large surface area, and it may be acting as a 'heat mat.' As your level of enjoyment goes up, your bloodflow will increase causing the area to be even hotter.

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Not to mention our warm breath. :snake: Not ever knowing for sure won't keep me from being affectionate to my pets...that's even good for our own blood pressure too. :gj:

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Originally Posted by GoatBoy

From a biology view, maybe he likes the face the most because of bloodflow. Your face has more capillaries, and they are closer to the surface than most of the rest of your body. This is why small cuts on your face bleed so profusely. It also has a large surface area, and it may be acting as a 'heat mat.' As your level of enjoyment goes up, your bloodflow will increase causing the area to be even hotter.

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Whether he does it for warmth or affection we may never know but he makes me so happy when he does this, while he gets his warmth too, so it's a win win. :)