Hey Randy!

I was talking/thinking about the same kind of tail action that you were, not the rattler imitation that most often means "I've got somethin' for ya." Ha!



It does look kinda like a playful twitching, wagging, and I don't remember ever seeing any hostile actions along with it. But I still believe it's something to do with nerves, getting worked up in some sense or another, etc, and not a frolicking emotion, per se. But the last I checked I still didn't have my Masters in herpetology. Hahahaha!!!



As far as snakes being capable of showing, having, emotions, I've experienced things here & there that makes me wonder. Scientists say that snakes either are missing the part of the brain that deals in emotions or it's undeveloped, one; I can't remember.



I had 2 wild-caught corns (3ft & 4ft) in the same tank for several months. I shipped one of them to off and the other one acted just like it missed it's cagemate. Listless for the next few weeks, wouldn't eat, moved slow when it moved at all, etc... Dang near broke my heart watching him.



After thinking a lot about it I narrowed it down to 2 possibilities.

(1) - It was lonely, heartbroken. Showing emotional capabilities.

(2) - It felt insecure, as in maybe the two watched each other's back. Now it was all alone again for the first time in several months it could've been stressed from insecurity.



Which one was it? I may never know. But that won't stop me from keeping an open mind.



Later!

HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,

this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:

Appalachian American

[ Show Entire Thread ]