I think my snake loves me

[Xan Powers]

god this thread was a good read.


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[meatmarionette]

i think a snakes level of love is basically trusting that you won't attack it and knowing you're not food...

[DarrinLowe]

The whole "my snake recognizes me so it must love me" argument is not a very strong one. I could argue that a snake recognizes your scent as something that is non-threatening. Much like if it were in the wild. It it smells or detects no threats in an area, it will seek out the most comfortable spot. In captivity it does the same thing. Your scent is something they associate with no threats. While they may not associate you as an individual person that they become attached to, they do understand that with your smell comes no threat of predation. You are also warm, which in a home that is sitting at room temperature (72), they are going to seek out something that is radiating heat to be close to. That is often why some snakes will prefer to stay on you rather than roam the room. You are warm and they sense no threats. This does not mean they love you. It just means you are a comfy, warm, rock which no predators around.

Wouldn't the mere fact that a snake associates your scent with safety represent atleast a primitive form of love? You're contradicting yourself my friend. If a snake was only seeking warmth and security I'm sure the seemingly unnoticed by us, vibrations of the human body would be enough to throw it off. The problem is that you're being far too closed minded in your concept of love. A snake is not a human being, therefore it cannot love in a human being manner, though the snake is living so it is capable of loving in such a way, regardless of wether the snake does love in that way, does not change the fact that it is capable, in one way or another of loving. To assume that it is a simple being that merely succumbs to a genetic code, that instinctively determines it's actions would be the same as assuming that human beings are built much the same, but have evolved to such a level that our minds convince ourselves we have a purpose, so that we continue to follow our own base instincts, due to becoming too aware of ourselves as an existence. So think about the implications of your words before you voice them.

What it comes down to, is wether you believe in god. Which provides a rather mixed perspective, as one who does not believe in god, must believe that all animals are capable of what we perceive as love, as all animals are capable of evolution. If one believes in god, then we are the mere shepards of a world of absent minded primitives that may only base their lives off of instinctive associations.

[Xan Powers]

Wouldn't the mere fact that a snake associates your scent with safety represent atleast a primitive form of love? You're contradicting yourself my friend. If a snake was only seeking warmth and security I'm sure the seemingly unnoticed by us, vibrations of the human body would be enough to throw it off. The problem is that you're being far too closed minded in your concept of love. A snake is not a human being, therefore it cannot love in a human being manner, though the snake is living so it is capable of loving in such a way, regardless of wether the snake does love in that way, does not change the fact that it is capable, in one way or another of loving. To assume that it is a simple being that merely succumbs to a genetic code, that instinctively determines it's actions would be the same as assuming that human beings are built much the same, but have evolved to such a level that our minds convince ourselves we have a purpose, so that we continue to follow our own base instincts, due to becoming too aware of ourselves as an existence. So think about the implications of your words before you voice them.

What it comes down to, is wether you believe in god. Which provides a rather mixed perspective, as one who does not believe in god, must believe that all animals are capable of what we perceive as love, as all animals are capable of evolution. If one believes in god, then we are the mere shepards of a world of absent minded primitives that may only base their lives off of instinctive associations.

this was a phenomenal argument to the opposing side of this theory and I have to say that it does make you wonder if a humans perception of love could not be attained but rather the animals own distinction of love. ball pythons can surely fear someone or something, wouldn't the flip side of that be associating love-like characteristics with someone or something?


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[zmd0827]

Snakes are the most Human friendly animal on this earth.They attack only if they are Hungary or when they feel threatened.

Or if they are conditioned to feeding and someone didn't hook train 'em.

[Jay_Bunny]

I am not contradicting myself. It has to do with how you are defining love. In this discussion people seem to be associating love with affection, which a snake cannot demonstrate. If we are speaking of love as simple trust that an object or lifeform will not cause oneself harm, then yes, snakes are capable of "love". When someone strikes up conversation about their snakes loving them because the snakes kiss them with their tongue flicking or "cuddle " around their necks this is not an emotional display of love. Perhaps trust they will not come to harm but certainly not an intended expression of affection that people term as love.

[purplemuffin]

What it comes down to, is wether you believe in god. Which provides a rather mixed perspective, as one who does not believe in god, must believe that all animals are capable of what we perceive as love, as all animals are capable of evolution. If one believes in god, then we are the mere shepards of a world of absent minded primitives that may only base their lives off of instinctive associations.

Now that's not necessarily true here. I agree with your argument actually, but as someone who believes in both science and God, I see a little different picture. I'm not crazy, I know that our emotions we feel are caused by hormonal and chemical changes in our body in reaction to sight, scent, movement, color, sound, etc. I believe that humans have instincts as well, and honestly, without being an animal how can we know that a human's feeling of just wanting to ah... "Mate" with the next hot babe he sees is that much different than the chemicals and instincts telling the same thing to a snake or a dog! I think it's far less advanced, but instincts and hormones create some sort of effect on an animal, and how it is interpreted in their mind is unknown to us!

But just cause I believe in God doesn't mean I believe animals are mindless... "God is Love" and all that!

[OhhMissTaylor]

I know for a fact that not only my snake loves me, but that it takes time for them to grow an attachment to their owners. I have a ball python (Ezio) I have owned for about a month now, and ever since I got him from my roomate he was VERY sick. He had severe upper resp and seemed like he was not going to make it. After weeks of TLC (and some baytril) he is well on his way to being all better. Over these last few weeks he has gotten to where not only does his attention perk up when I hold him, he even does a "trick" of sorts. If you make the kissy noise he will (NO LIE) raise his head to your lips and lean in for a kiss. No matter where he is he always comes for that kiss. He has also gotten to where he will be laying on my chest and crawl up to my cheeks and nuzzle them like a cat.

My proof it takes a snake time to grow this bond. My fiance just bought a Columbian redtail Boa (named Rosa) about 3 days ago and up until today she wanted nothing to do with him, but today while he was holding her, she actually fell asleep on him and when it was time to go back into her cage, she hugged him tight, and nuzzled his face. While before she fought to stay away from him at all costs, hissing,biting etc.

I do not care what any official or anyone says I fully believe my snake loves me and we have a very strong bond to one another.

[Jay_Bunny]

I'm not sure why you're bringing religion into this discussion. A belief in a higher power does not automatically mean someone believes all lifeforms are capable of displaying love. I'm sorry but while snakes can form a TYPE of trust with their caretakers they most certainly do not have the capacity to love on a level that involves open displays of affection towards a particular person.

I believe in a deity but I understand that many animals are not on the same level emotionally. Understanding they will come to no harm is one thing. Even recognizing their caretaker is believable but I'm sorry. My snakes and no snake I have ever had the pleasure of knowing has EVER muzzled me, given me a kiss, or sought me out for attention. They are not capable of such actions.

[JCLIKESPYTHONS]

Snakes don't understand emotion other than "I'm gonna eat you!!!"

Yea, my snakes look at me like they are thinking, how an I gonna fit that in my mouth?