Great post. I don't want to get involved in this semantical debate, but I can tell you that my Indigo snake routinely looks me in the eye, and he also sits on my lap and watches TV with me. I'm not quite sure yet if he "prefers" me to other humans, but time will tell.



Thanks,

Ed





>>I agree for the most part when it comes to snakes but what about monitors and tegus? Both are well known to be able to remember certain people and distinguish between them, they are able to be litter box trained, seem to enjoy affection, and quite often will choose not to run away when given the option.

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>>I have little first hand experience with tegus but i have some experience with monitors, and that experience has led me to think they are more intelligent than they are given credit for.

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>>Also some snakes seem to fit into the "pet" category as well, indigo snakes and king cobras come to mind. Anecdotal evidence seems to show that both can recognize individuals and respond to them differently, sometimes with what would seem to be affection.

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>>I don't think we have enough data to say much about the motives that drive individuals of another class of organisms, and the entire idea of "domestication" is kinda silly in my opinion. There are plenty of "domesticated" dogs roaming around the U.S.A. and I'm pretty sure id rather take my chances with my wolf/husky hybrid that is sleeping on my bed or this "wild" CB ball python. =/

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>>Sorry for the bad spelling and grammar, I'm trying to clean out a cage and typing as i walk by my PC. =P

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