Intelligence of smooth snakes

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   According to Collins Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Europe, smoothies are "Said to be intelligent (for a snake!)". Does anybody know what possible basis there might be for this assertion?

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longcrippler Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 11 May 2007 Status: Offline Points: 19	Post Options Post Reply Quote longcrippler Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Intelligence of smooth snakes Posted: 03 Sep 2011 at 12:01pm
	According to Collins Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Europe, smoothies are "Said to be intelligent (for a snake!)". Does anybody know what possible basis there might be for this assertion?

will Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1830	Post Options Post Reply Quote will Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Sep 2011 at 4:52pm
	I think it's pretty much based on captive animals such as those kept in the 19th century by the French herpetologist Rollinat. It seems to be based on their ability to be tamed easily and to recognise that prey is on its way when the lid of the cage is opened etc which doesn't necessarily seem to be the most objective way to define 'intelligence' of a snake to me.

AGILIS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1689	Post Options Post Reply Quote AGILIS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 Sep 2011 at 7:06am
	I spose I would class CA as intelligent. If I had spotted one reading a book whilst basking. In reality I think their a bit slow when it comes to making a quick get away from the likes of us as most snakes hop it as soon as they get wind of any disturbance , but the smoothies seem to brazen it without attempting to flee that could be their downfall to predators. Keith Edited by AGILIS - 05 Sep 2011 at 11:33am
	LOCAL ICYNICAL CELTIC ECO WARRIOR AND FAILED DRUID

Noodles Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 05 Dec 2010 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 534	Post Options Post Reply Quote Noodles Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 06 Sep 2011 at 10:47am
	My dog salivates to the sound of his dinner bowl being clanged and he's thick as f*!k.