I totally agree that our snakes recognize our smell and patterns of actions. I have noticed that my snakes are calm for the most part untill I bring in visitors. That is when they start getting defensive. I have some snakes that I can pick up with no problems whatsoever ....until I try to show them off to someone. I don't allow a lot of people to see my collection just because I don't want to throw off their routine. As for the legal aspect of my hobby...noone will ever take my animals while I am alive. I have friends named colt,winchester,barretta and smith and wesson to back me up!