I always figured that retics were the most intelligent of the big snakes. Certainly the ones I had were the most responsive. When I interacted with my retics, I always felt they were studying me more so than I was studying them. I knew them to the point that I could predict what they were going to do before they moved. I avoided strikes from big ones in very close quarters because I knew their habits so well. But at the same time, they were doing the same thing to me. They knew me, and knew how I was going to handle them. They knew the whole presentation routine, and seemed to know when they were on display. I thoroughly enjoyed working with my retics, and I'll probably have another one before too long.



I never gave my African rocks' behaviors as much consideration as I probably should have. Coming from Africa, where all animals have to be somewhat crafty to survive, I can see where their senses could be keener than those of snakes from other continents. Big snakes on other continents don't face the same kinds of dangers that African rocks do. That they show more signs of intelligence than other big snakes is a very interesting -- and astute -- observation. As they become more popular, I'm sure this will be explored more and more.



For the record, I think burms are more intelligent than most people give them credit for. Mine are very responsive and attentive, though they are admittedly a bit dopey. Were they people, I would say they have some book sense, but not much common sense!



RP

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