BP intelligence/emotion?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Love is a very broad term that seems to fit many different things. In one definition, love is simply the protective instinct within us. In another, it's a connection between two parties of knowing/understanding. Personally, I feel that love is not really an emotion, but a level of bonding. Wheatley knows/remembers my scent, and is comfortable being around me. He likes my warmth, and feels safe. He's fallen asleep on me before. Though there is nothing clearly indicative of a bond, I think it's unfair to claim that they cannot bond to their handlers.

It's one sided, he does not love you, does not cuddle, he seeks heat that has nothing to do with love or bonding but has to do with basic needs.

Now you can chose other words to replace needs or instincks but it's still does not mean there is love, protection or bonding on the snake's end, only on yours.

Again you are attributing human emotions to a snake that is lacking the frontal part of his brain where emotions such as love resides.

[KingWheatley]

It's one sided, he does not love you, does not cuddle, he seeks heat that has nothing to do with love or bonding but has to do with basic needs.

Now you can chose other words to replace needs or instincks but it's still does not mean there is love, protection or bonding on the snake's end, only on yours.

Again you are attributing human emotions to a snake that is lacking the frontal part of his brain where emotions such as love resides.

You are familiar with the term "imprinting," i'd imagine? Snakes do actually have that ability as they tend to imprint upon favorite prey items.

They have a capability, as such, to associate a specific smell with safety and warmth. He feels content to be curled up around me, or chilling out on me. if it was just warmth, he'd go hide under my heat blanket when I have him out.

I wouldn't go as far as to say he loves me like I love him. Or how I love my cat (rip) and my cat loved me (maybe...). But he has definitely shown that he is quite content and prefers to be on me than any of the other less lively but equally warm things.

its not a human emotion. This is a very basic "emotion" that the majority of all creatures feel. With little exception.

[cchardwick]

It's one sided, she does not love you, does not cuddle, she seeks heat that has nothing to do with love or bonding but has to do with basic needs.

Wait, are you talking about my snake or my wife?



Seriously though, I think all my snakes love me!

[enginee837]

Wait, are you talking about my snake or my wife?



Seriously though, I think all my snakes love me!

Although it is believed both are cold blooded I believe their attitude is more in line with a wild caught mangrove snake.