A snake's ability to recognize or bond with it's owner?

[Neal]

My friend had a African Rock that only HE could take out of the cage, if anyone else tried he would go crazy And strike at you or the side of the cage while you opened it, if my friend opened it he was perfectly fine and maybe hissed... Once out he was puppy dog tame for anyone but getting him out... Yeah no...

Well that could be linked to the snake knowing his scent versus an unknown smell. I think he overdid the story a bit though.