Does it know its me?

[whiterabbit]

I was wondering if my bp knows its me when i pick it up? Or over time will if know me. Like a dog or cat would know its you and not strike you because you feed it and love it?

[Shelby]

I think they do learn to recognize their keeper. I know that when I have friends over or even if my mom or dad is watching on feeding night, the snakes are much more shy and many won't take food right away like they do if it's just me.

[zreon]

I would also have to say that they recognize you.

A couple of years ago when I was watching a boa for about 9 months, I was the only one who took it out of the cage. One day my sister went to take it out while I was gone and it immediately struck at her. When I got home I took it out without any problems, so I'm pretty sure it knew she wasn't me and felt threatened.

[Grim91Z]

I assume that's a good reason to buy young, so they can grow with you and such.

[frankykeno]

I think your snake may learn to recognize you as non-threatening and accept handling if you are careful and gentle with it. I don't think they are probably capable of knowing you like a dog or cat does or understanding you love them. I do think they are very interactive and aware on their own level though and that's a joy to behold. They are very unique and what one snake will accept, another will not. Even our nicest snake will strike if it feels like it for whatever reasons or we trigger that response accidentally. Just part of owning snakes is accepting they don't have a lot of ways to communicate with you so striking at you can be one of them.

[sidhe]

I would guess that the snake would not really know you by sight, but rather recognize your individual scent. That's why it sometimes helps to use the same soap every time you wash your hands to handle the snake. I was actually told to put a used sock in the cage with my corn snake to help him get used to my smell (LOL). Not sure of the credibility of that but, I did it anyway.