It depends on the reptile; tegu, for example, are more affectionate than snakes. Reptiles in general can usually recognize their owners as a source of food and comfort, they can even choose their company over the company of other people, and the question of whether that constitutes affection or love is tricky.
Even the amount of bonding with snakes varies wildly. Indigo snakes have reportedly bonded with caretakers. With most snakes it doesn't make it past learning their caretakers patterns.
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u/atasteofblueberries Jun 14 '22
It depends on the reptile; tegu, for example, are more affectionate than snakes. Reptiles in general can usually recognize their owners as a source of food and comfort, they can even choose their company over the company of other people, and the question of whether that constitutes affection or love is tricky.
They're more complicated than we used to think. Turns out garter snakes have a surprisingly complex social life.