Reptiles are cold-blooded, but does that mean they’re cold-hearted, too?
Experts aren’t exactly sure if reptiles have the ability to bond with humans or not. “Unlike domesticated dogs and cats, reptiles have retained their primitive characteristics,” says Adam Denish, VMD, a veterinarian at Rhawnhurst Animal Hospital in Philadelphia and Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Denish believes reptiles show emotion—but in a limited form. “Most of their life is about basic necessities like drinking, eating, breeding, and surviving,” he says.
Two of the most obvious emotions: fear and aggression. For instance, a snake will hiss if she feels threatened and a bearded dragon lizard will puff out his beard and change its color from light brown to black when he’s mad or stressed, explains Dr. Denish.
Snakes have been known to show excitement and curiosity, too. “At the zoo,” says Dr. Denish, “we see snakes that are interested in new forms of enrichment like bedding, housing, or a new scent.”
Some reptiles will also show pleasure at human contact. Iguanas liked to be stroked on the top of the head. Turtles will hurry over toward you if food is being offered.
Actual love for a human, though? That, says Dr. Denish, is difficult to prove.
But as long as you feel a connection with your pet, that’s all that matters. The more time you spend nurturing your pet, the better it’ll be for both of you. You’ll be more comfortable around one another, leading to a greater chance that a “bond” will form—whatever that bond may be.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that people can create wonderful bonds with reptiles,” says Lorelei Tibbetts, LVT, VTF, a veterinary technician who specializes in exotic pet medicine and is the hospital manager at The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine in New York City. “It may not be the same relationship you get with another kind of pet like a dog or cat, but it’s not any less rewarding. It’s just a different bond.”
People who own reptiles aren’t getting them to snuggle, she explains. But there are other ways to feel as if you are “bonding” with them …
Read full article in Pet MD. Article by Jill Fanslau.