Ick

Rattlesnakes Show Strong Family Bonds, Study Says

James Owen
for National Geographic News
February 23, 2004

Solitary, aggressive, and dangerous to know—that's how most people see rattlesnakes. Yet scientists are beginning to reveal a seemingly caring, family-loving side to these deadly reptiles. This reappraisal is highlighted by a new study of timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) in the eastern United States. Researchers suggest that, as adults, the rattlesnakes can recognize their siblings, even after being separated at birth. The finding marks the first time kin recognition has been observed in snakes.

Tipping the Scales with Warm-N-Fuzzy I think
It appears that the ties that bind are not limited among mammals and a few less threatening reptiles like iguanas, but now, rattlesnakes, of all creatures, may have a soft side. It's not that they really love each other...or do they? In this article, mother snakes and sister snakes continuously engage in some kind of warm and fuzzy homemaking like mass coiling to keep the family together. In contrast, dad and brother snakes just want to have sex, period. When they're done having sex, they want to be left alone. Hmm, sound familiar?

One of my interests is watching and examining the social behavior of animals and contrasting it
with human behavior specifically. We humans believe we are much more refined in our behavior than our animal friends; we have developed the concept of morality, we exchange goods and services, we develop technologies to make our lives easier and more entertaining. We cry when we are happy and we cry when we are sad. We fall in love. But are snakes capable of love?

The scientific community says one distinguishing factor between us and the animals is that we are capable of emotion while animals are not, that we have a sense of self and they do not.
I can't say I totally agree with the scientific community. For many animals, it's all about them,
even those in a social hierarchy. Despite what science says, they are self-absorbed because that is conducive to survival. So how can they not have a sense of self at some level? And if you have a sense of self, you get emotional about things. Scott, who owns the place where I keep my horses is well aware of the emotional and intellectual capabilities of horses. "they're just like two year olds...you have to treat 'em like you would a two year old kid." Most everyone knows how emotional and self-absorbed two year olds are! And I agree, however anthropomorphic that sounds it's a pretty accurate comparison.

It is well documented that within the social structure of horses, the herd, a tight bonding takes place between individual members, and if you observe them as they engage in a mutual grooming session, you can see the absolute ecstasy experienced in this ultra-sensual act, which no doubt releases endorphines--the same ones that are released when you get a particularly good massage. I think it's common knowledge, at least in the medical and behavioral fields, that emotions and things like endorphins are inextricably linked. So I can say that writhing and coiling up with your not so warm and fuzzy viper family could have its emotional response as well, but probably only those which snakes can appreciate.