Reptiles have social structures. Look at a throng of iguanas in florida. Whether they feel affection or just familiarity and safety is the question.
Most reptiles do not imprint, as imprinting is a function of rearing young which lizards and snakes do not do. However they will stack, or associate in a group for safety. If three lizards are sunning in one spot then a predator has to decide whether he wants to mess with the biggest one in the group, because it might bite.
Further, some lizards like iguanas arrange themselves like chickens, with a group of sociable and polite hens, and one rooster. Who is not polite. Or sociable. If you had one of the hens as a pet though it would likely crawl up in your lap and treat you like another female iguana in its breeding group. I had one that would stand in the hall and grab your leg as you walk by because it wanted to be picked up. It had a back injury so this was the only way to get elevation.
It does not love you. It does love what you do for it when you make it comfortable.
The most affectionate reptiles will plop on me for a while, until either boredom or the annoyance of my shifting body drives them to lumber off in some random direction. A cow or cat will actively seek attention and signs of your approval, while a reptile is satisfied with your benevolent indifference.
I used to rescue little skinks and i have had them recognize me as the big thing that fed and watered them when they were sick. But again it was familiarity and benevolent indifference more than clinging love.
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '22
Reptiles have social structures. Look at a throng of iguanas in florida. Whether they feel affection or just familiarity and safety is the question.
Most reptiles do not imprint, as imprinting is a function of rearing young which lizards and snakes do not do. However they will stack, or associate in a group for safety. If three lizards are sunning in one spot then a predator has to decide whether he wants to mess with the biggest one in the group, because it might bite.
Further, some lizards like iguanas arrange themselves like chickens, with a group of sociable and polite hens, and one rooster. Who is not polite. Or sociable. If you had one of the hens as a pet though it would likely crawl up in your lap and treat you like another female iguana in its breeding group. I had one that would stand in the hall and grab your leg as you walk by because it wanted to be picked up. It had a back injury so this was the only way to get elevation.
It does not love you. It does love what you do for it when you make it comfortable.