|
Re: Do Reptiles have feelings Debate v1.0
What kind of reptiles are we talking about?
Based strictly on my own observations,
I believe snakes experience somewhat LESS emotion/feelings than lizards:
I don't think my Corn snake has any affection or trust for me. I think she tolerates me. She realizes I'm not going to eat her, although she goes on High Alert whenever I reach into her cage. Once out, I believe she thinks I'm a really warm tree branch that moves around. lol
I think she feels "secure" once she's out and realizes she's NOT on the menu.
I had a boa, however, that never shied away from me, and seemed to RELAX when being held and would often seem to go to sleep. Do I think he "loved me"? No, I think he was just more secure than my Corn snake.
Now iguanas, and other lizards are a completely different story in my observations:
My Iguana is still leery of me, and not sure WHAT I'm doing reaching in his cage. I know, based on my research, he may develop a sort of affection, and may even seek out human comfort or warmth (or avoid it completely) when he's out of his cage.
I've seen many lizards that appeared to be VERY affectionate, and others not so much. I think it depends on the bond between animal and keeper in some cases.
With snakes, I believe they have SOME emotion, but probably less than that of many lizards..I think they know "fear", "insecurity", "security", "contentment", "aggression", and to some extent, "trust". Pretty sure "anger" is in there, as well..LOL
Do I think they are COMPLETELY without feeling, no I don't.
|
