Rattle Snakes show strong family bonds

[Lisa]

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/02/0223_040223_rattlesnakes.html

This artical shows that rattle snakes can reconise kin and often den with each other year round.

it also makes reference to a few other snakes.

It's a good read.

[Cruciform]

Good thing they didn't post their findings to the forum :P

[Invictus]

Yeah, because that would challenge peoples' ideals, and we've all seen what THAT gets you 'round here.... snakes being social??? *GASP* Hethan!! lol

Clark found female siblings were the most intimate. On average, they rested just 6 centimeters (2.3 inches) apart. Forty-four percent of the time, Clark observed the snakes entwined. By contrast, non-sibling females kept an average distance of 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) and spent just 18 percent of their resting time entwined.

ROFL!!! See??? Even male RATTLESNAKES refuse to hug in public!!! HAHAHAHA!!

[Matt]

interesting, good article!

[HeatherK]

LoL Invictus

Interesting indeed. Thanks for posting that link.

[Lisa]

I think alot of our common beliefs on what the animals feel is probably different then what is reality.

[Oliverian]

Lisa, I totally agree. I mean, everyone used to think the world was flat, and laughed at people who thought it was round. But hey, guess what happened?

Let the new ideas flow!

-TammyR

[Cruciform]

I think they're secretly plotting to take back the world from us stinky mammals.

[Invictus]

lol!!!

"Ok, you take your troops behind the big stinky mammal. My troops will stay in front and distract him while you attack from the rear! It's brilliant! We'll call it a snake pack tactic!"

"Umm... sir, it's already called a wolf pack tactic."

"DAMN!"

:D

[marisa]

My whole thing is everyone wants to either think they feel they feel they feel...or they dont they dont etc.

But in either case, WHAT if anything does this change for us in regards to husbandry? Nothing IMHO. If its found snakes can "love" (just example) will this mean we shouldn't trade them or sell them anymore? haha no. Will this mean comfy couches in enclosures? No. Personally I can't think of anything it will change.

I am in the middle since I have not seen enough evidence to voice a strong opinion to either side really. So before any "your an elitist" arguements begin against me, remember I am not saying one group of thoughts are wrong or even argueing.

Marisa

[marisa]

Sorry I wanted to add....

Let's say tomorrow its found snakes can be social. Does this mean it would be o.k. to house together? No, especially since the risks are so high for problems to occur. So what I am saying is while this is VERY important research and insane interesting, I don't see how it reflects in our husbandry. Although I'd love to hear ideas.

Marisa