The thing with reptiles is that they have very simple brains. Of course they have emotions. Some have a wider variety, some only have one or two emotions. For example, my tree frogs feel anger, fear, and I'd have to say they feel pretty content basking under their lamp. Anger comes out when I do something they dislike, such as touching them, or simply being around them in some cases. They show me their disapproval by little croaks, puffing up, and hitting/kicking me with their cute froggy hands. I know they are fearful when their eyes get large in reaction to something scary, when they shoot pee, and when they sporadically jump away. If hunger is an emotion or feeling, then they definitely feel that too! Unfortunately, I don't think whites tree frogs have much intelligence. It's amazing how they survive in the wild.

My ball python can also feel certain emotions, such as fear, curiosity, and comfort. I'm sure he can feel anger too, though nothing has ever happened in his life to anger him. Fear is pretty obvious when he balls up and sticks his little head in the middle. He does this when I take him out of the cage, or when something unexpected happens. He expresses curiosity throughout the night, and when i take him into an unfamiliar setting. He shows this by exploring his cage, periscoping and tongue flicking. I think all ball pythons feel pretty comfortable in their hides. I find he has a level of intelligence. He understands how to climb on things, and I think he can recognize me from others. For example, if I let a friend hold him he starts reaching for me. Not because he loves me, but because he is familiar with me.

My uromastyx is quite fascinating. She is far more intelligent than the frogs and my ball python. Along with more brains comes more feelings. What I can tell is that she can feel fear, anger, tiredness, curiosity, and she can absolutely relax. What I can not tell for sure is her ability to feel deeper emotions such as love, joy, or attachment, but I do think this is a possibility. She is an incredibly intelligent creature. She has an established routine, down to times and everything. How she can do this without a clock I will never know! She has food preferences, something my frogs do not. This may be partly instinct, but when she hears a bird outside she flattens herself to the ground.

The things our reptiles do fascinate me, even the way they live and exist. The adaptions they have made to survive in the wild is simply amazing. So yes, I believe that reptiles are definitely capable of feelings and emotions.


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