I totally agree.

Without going completely off the deep end and anthropomorphizing snakes, I also think our captives get to know us--or at least our patterns of behavior--with regular handling. The same female that drank from the spray bottle generally won't even lift up her head when I pet her. She just doesn't startle anymore. She's also head tame and isn't bothered by touching her head. I'd like to think that it's because she knows she's not in any danger. They probably can detect familiar smells from us as well and associate that with what's normal in their world.

Regardless of how future legislation goes, they'll have to pry my snakes out of my cold, dead hands before I'd give them up. In fact, I like them better than a lot of people I've known. Endlessly fascinating and peaceful. I just love em.