can a python tell whos its owner is?

[Jenn]

They sure do. And it's not just people they learn to recognize. I read a wonderful story about the "snake lady" from Maine. She spent her whole life working with snakes. One time when a snake didn't eat it's mouse she just left it in the enclosure to see what would happen. The snake never tried to eat the mouse. They became friends. And each time she placed another mouse in the tank the snake would eat the new mouse right away.

[A&C]

I hope that is true, I want them to know who I am!

[bigballs]

i dont think they recognize you only by scent although it may play some role in it. i think they get used to the way you handle and act around them. if youre the one who handles the snake the majority of the time then they get used to how you do it and feel more comfortable when you handle them because its familiar to them. friends get nervous or hold them awkwardly and make movements that are too fast or unfamiliar and the snake is not used to it. not to mention all the new unfamiliar scents created by the other people in the room that are not usually there when youre holding the bp the majority of the time alone.

obviously i cant prove this but thats kind of what i noticed.

[_Venom_]

I started putting alcohol sap gel before I handle.
When I run out and I handle them will they think I'm something else?

[Blu Mongoose]

My Bob is very calm with me, but strikes at others. So I'm sure he can tell.

[Whittney32]

I agree. I can hold Slinky no problem, but when my BF tries to, Slinky tries his hardest not to let him. He refuses to 'explore' anywhere near him. He has no problem crawling all over me lol.

[Windridge Kennels]

Oh yes, I absolutely think so. I even have a brand new one that is fine with me mostly (but is pissy if I hold him and wraps around my hand), but actually strikes at my guy if he tries to touch him... he hasn't gone for me yet. I am less jumpy, though, and very confident when I handle him even though he has had snakes for years, he is a jumpy person. I don't think the snake recognizes me- I just got him- but I think maybe my scent is familiar to him compared to a past handler, or he prefers women- or who knows! He's not telling...

[CRAZY]

I've started wahing my hands before I handle Hercules so if my friends want to hold him, they can wash there hands so he won't feel so uncomfertable....wait....how do you spell that....un-comf-ter-ble...unconfertible...forget it...

[chetman7]

uncomfortable

[CRAZY]

Thanx