the snake/human relationship

[Mindibun]

So I know everyone says "snakes cant love" and most people will say that snakes dont recognize their owners over other people. But it is also common knowledge that snakes "see" heat, correct? So is it possible that a snake could learn to recognize one person's heat pattern, thus allowing it to identify its owner?

Look at the thermal imaging picture:

There are two people in that picture and they each have a subtly different heat signature. Perhaps a snake learns to differentiate between the heat pattern of its primary care-taker and other heat blobs.

The only reason I suggest this is because my oldest, Harlett, always tries to come back to me if I let someone else hold her. For example, yesterday my sister and I were walking, sister was holding Harlett, and the snake stretched out from her shoulder onto mine. She does this every time she is given to someone other than myself. Why would she do that if she didnt recognize me as her "safe person"? There has to be SOMETHING that allows a snake to imprint upon one person or another.

Anyone with me on this?

[bearhart]

I think its pretty certain they can differentiate between people. My guess would be that they do it by scent, though. I would be surprised if their thermal sensing abilities have enough resolution to recognize faces, etc

[jglass38]

I think its pretty certain they can differentiate between people. My guess would be that they do it by scent, though. I would be surprised if their thermal sensing abilities have enough resolution to recognize faces, etc

Where do you get your information from?

[Mindibun]

I've always heard people say that they canNOT differentiate between humans. But you're saying its pretty certain. I'm so confused.

[Mindibun]

jglass38 did you have an opinion on it? I'm still waiting on replies... I'm really curious to know what everyone thinks.

[jglass38]

jglass38 did you have an opinion on it? I'm still waiting on replies... I'm really curious to know what everyone thinks.

The reason I asked is Bearhart seems to make a lot of claims and provide a lot of information without any basis whatsoever. My feeling is they have no ability to recognize one heat source from another.

[sg1trogdor]

I dont know about the heat source part but I agree that they can tell the difference between people. IMO. My snakes act different towards me than to anyone else. I am leaning towards the smell theory. But what do I know I am only basing on a year of observation.

[Mindibun]

I need to research this smell theory. Can anyone shed some light on it, and as to why you all lean towards the sense of smell rather than "sight"?

[jglass38]

I need to research this smell theory. Can anyone shed some light on it, and as to why you all lean towards the sense of smell rather than "sight"?

I'm not sure either theory has much merit. Ball Pythons have poor eyesight. They rely on their sense of smell (through their tongues) and their heat pits to track prey. They can tell you aren't a prey item because you don't smell like a rat. However, I don't believe that they can tell your smell from another person's smell. Their brains just aren't advanced enough in that way.

[darkangel]

My feeling is they have no ability to recognize one heat source from another.

Yeah and even if they did, would they really care? Would it really matter to them?