I think my snake loves me

[NightLad]

I’ve read the bulk of these messages with interest at the developing dialogue. There have been some very good points and opinions shared on both sides of the debate.

Personally, I do not feel comfortable making a hard-line statement such as, “No, snakes can’t feel emotion/love.” I am not, after all, a snake. I believe it is a human trait to attempt to ‘humanize’ the world around us, and to use ourselves as the basis of comparison when interacting with outside forces.

Perhaps snakes are capable of experiencing a spectrum of emotion we may not be capable of ourselves. When we attempt to associate their actions with human motivations, it may seem as if they are acting purely based on instinct, but only as far as the comparison extends. I would hold that this may not always be the case.

Maybe a snake will never feel for me what I feel for it, on the same level, but I don’t believe it experiences no associative emotions at all. They are not robots; no matter what side of the fence you are on in this debate, I doubt anybody would deny that each snake has its own personality. If they are capable of that level of individuality and distinction, why not some form of emotions as well?

I can only offer my own opinion and propose some statements aimed at generating contemplation. In the end, I believe the decision on whether or not to believe your snake has emotions is up to the individual.

For myself, I say yes, even if we cannot always recognize them. There is something that transcends bare instinct; people have said that lizards don’t feel emotions either, but years ago when my lizard was dying, there is a reason I was the only person he wanted to hold him and was calm with right up until the end.

[Lucero87]

For myself, I say yes, even if we cannot always recognize them. There is something that transcends bare instinct; people have said that lizards don’t feel emotions either, but years ago when my lizard was dying, there is a reason I was the only person he wanted to hold him and was calm with right up until the end.

I mean i think lizards and snakes can recognize you from your scent or w/e, that doesn't mean that it loves you...dogs can express emotion, i can put food infront of my dog and know he won't bite me...dogs are capable of loving and they are loyal...and i dont think snakes or lizards can, they don't come to you if they feel scared or anything like that, they don't protect you...idk just thought i'd make that point, idk if anyone else has or not...just sayin.

[MelissaFlipski]

I just figured out what's wrong with this thread. It's in the "General Python" thread list. Only Ball Pythons, not just any old python, is capable of love. Kidding, I'm kidding!!!!!!!!!

[KiwisHeaven]

To those who answered, My snake loves me, how did you come up with that conclusion????

My largest boa follows me around and sits at the dinner table with me, she never leaves my side, and sleeps with me in the bed.

[Patrick Long]

My largest boa follows me around and sits at the dinner table with me, she never leaves my side, and sleeps with me in the bed.

kinky

[KiwisHeaven]

kinky

She's my best friend of 6 years...she even has wagged her tail a couple of times when I pet her....I think snakes can feel some what I think that they correlate smell to caregiver, therefore, most of them are calm, but then you have some snakes who dislike you no matter what, I mean constantly trying to bite you and hissing, thats a sign of dislike...and dislike is an emotion.

My Big red tail, Calla, strikes at drunk people... I think she understands more then people give her credit for.

And I am kinky but not that kind of kinky...lol

[MelissaFlipski]

My largest boa follows me around and sits at the dinner table with me, she never leaves my side, and sleeps with me in the bed.

What kind of boa is that?

Um... maybe you should read the thread I started on bathing/showering with your snake?

You're kidding about the tail wagging, right? Do you mean the "cat-like," oooo that feels good wave that goes down the body?

[Elvyra's Keeper]

I believe snakes don't love in the sense that we do, but I do feel that they connect in the very basic of means. Basically, it boils down to this: Trust vs Mistrust. It's like the same conecpt with an infant, they don't love, but they do trust and rely on you for everything they need for their lives. I think snakes understand that too. When we go into their cage, they expect something from you, whether it's food, water or exercise, it's something needed to maintain their lives. They know that. They trust you.

[littleindiangirl]

She's my best friend of 6 years...she even has wagged her tail a couple of times when I pet her....I think snakes can feel some what I think that they correlate smell to caregiver, therefore, most of them are calm, but then you have some snakes who dislike you no matter what, I mean constantly trying to bite you and hissing, thats a sign of dislike...and dislike is an emotion.

My Big red tail, Calla, strikes at drunk people... I think she understands more then people give her credit for.

And I am kinky but not that kind of kinky...lol

So, she doesnt like drunk people? Are you sure she doesnt like the acrid smell of alcohol, the swaying, the poor motor control of a drunk. and Why is she around drunk people?

Do we have to tag such specific words like "love" and "commitment" to a snake when it would easily fit in the category of "I feel no stress with you" or "you stress me the flip out"

Again, I still stand by my opinion that any behavior from a snake can be put into one of two broad categories of: Fear or secure.
I believe they can feel either stressed and fearful, or secure and content. Whether it's towards their enviroment or keeper. They strive to find a secure setting, and strive to find food because they are basing their actions on their instincts.

If a snake feels secure and safe around you, then take the compliment. I dont think you should try and complicate it by labeling it as affection or love. Even in the simplest sense, I don't think they have any emotions. That doesnt mean it's a robot, it's able to make its own decisions, but that doesn't mean it's "reasoning" things out at any level close to ours except basic repetition and small patterns.

[herpmajor]

I dont know if they do or not. But it is not a fact that snakes can't feel emotion. Has anyone read When Elephants Weep? It has some good points.