Snakes DO recognize individuals the same way they recognize familiar surroundings. Back in the olden days when I kept my snakes in aquariums, I used to have them stacked up next to the washing machine in the basement. When my wife walked by their cages they totally ignored her, when I walked by they would immediately come out of their hides and press their noses up against the glass. It's not like they felt anything special for me, I'm just the one who fed them and just the sight of me would put them in feeding mode.