Snake cognitive ability and affection.

[DVirginiana]

Fascinating!

I think I meant bonding more in the mammalian sense, but we are talking of reptiles so maybe that's asking too much. I think my snake knows that I will not cause them harm, but beyond that I don't see much bonding. I think putting it terms of 'safe' and 'not safe' is a good way to describe it. I don't believe they are capable of complex emotional bonding or love. But that's ok. I just enjoy them for what they are IMO.

I agree. I think you can kind of divide bonding into two parts; the chemicals that cause a 'feeling' and the ability to actively think about that feeling (not in the abstract human sense, but in the "I hope mommy comes home soon!" puppy dog sense). I believe snakes have the first, but not the second.

EDIT: OMG I just scrolled up and saw a typo in my previous post, and it will not let me edit. This bothers me far more than it should.