Quote Originally Posted by janeothejungle View Post
Not to speak too geekish, but I personally believe that yes, there is genetic predisposition toward 'aggressive' behavior. That said, I think there is also a tremendous amount of variability within a given species, as well. In a way, it all goes back to the whole 'nature vs nurture' debate, right? Are we a product of our genes or of our environment. Current theory holds that it is a combination of both and I tend to agree.


Cheers,
Kat
I wholeheartedly agree. However, we have to consider the psychological spectrum of a snake. Nature vs Nurture would fall more under environment as snakes do not need Nurture to survive, but if a snake goes unhandled, it may lose it's good temperament.
I have a corn that became very skittish with little handling and afraid, I also have snakes that are afraid despite the handling amount, and some that are sweet even when not handled for a long time. This tells me, that genetics can lead to their ability to adjust to a pet environment. Some snakes, can not adjust very well and even with attempted handling, may not ever be handled. While others could adjust, and are just born at a different starting level of temperament.

It is most definitely both, but I think genetics can not be ruled out here. I don't think it's genetically 'one or the other' but a bigger spectrum, and like Kat said, with different species too. Some may be born with a bad temperament and be handled into a calm temperament. Some may never be able to be handled, and some could have always been handled.