Posted by:
Ameron
at Thu Mar 25 01:08:45 2010 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Ameron ]
This topic is similar to ones I've raised in the past where I question how much we know about reptile intelligence & behavior. The common assumption is that they are dim-witted and simple-minded, just because they don't communicate in the same way as we do.
For many years, the same debate raged over mammals like monkeys, dogs & cats. Eventually, the consensus has been reached by most people that they are more intelligent, aware & gifted than we previously understood.
I once saw a video of a forest fire and various creatures fleeing it. One of the creatures fleeing was a snake. The snake was not successful, however. Caught in flames it writhed in pain and thrashed violently as it died. Just exactly as a mammal would have done.
I've known many instances of my snakes TREMENDOUSLY enjoying being caressed & massaged - just like a person would. My Black Milk Snake especially likes being caressed; you can mesmerize him with the right strokes.
State biologists in AZ reported a mountain kingsnake that would crawl out into the open to briefly expose himself to nesting birds. The birds attacked him to defend their nests, and he would run for cover. Then, safely concealed, he watched the birds to see which trees they flew up into, and followed them to raid their nests!
I suspect that in many years scientists will announce astonishing new finds regarding reptile intelligence. Human understanding advances only slowly.
Less than a century ago, women could not vote nor own land in America, and were regarded as poor drivers. Those attitudes eventually changed. Less than 3 centuries ago, Africans were regarded at three-fifths human and were slaves. Attitudes regarding them slowly changed, too…
Ever forward!!
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Yes, Still Awake, and Comments - Ameron, Thu Mar 25 01:08:45 2010