Help change the way people view Ball Pythons

This is a letter written for me by the owner of a snake buiness here are her credentials

I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Fisheries & Wildlife. I then became an Interpretive Naturalist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, where I found my love for wildlife education. I have spent hundreds of hours developing and conducting educational programs about wildlife to all age groups and backgrounds. I am an active member of the Minnesota Herpetological Society (MHS), where I regularly volunteer at hands-on activities to spread knowledge of reptiles as pets. I am also a past Director of the Minnesota Companion Bird Association (MCBA), as well as certified Aviculturist through the American Federation of Aviculture. Now when I return to the universities, I get to be in front of the teaching board rather than behind a desk! I have taught pre-vet students about Companion Animals at the University of Wisconsin: River Falls and the University of Minnesota.

whom it may concern,
I have been working directly with snakes and other reptiles for several years through hands-on programs, college presentations, targeted outreach with the Minnesota Herpetological Society, and more. After years of experience and research I can assure you that ball pythons present no threat to the community due to their small size and lack of venom, no ability to become invasive, and overall docile personality.
An adult ball python grows to be 3-5 feet long; much smaller than other snakes. They can only eat prey items “that are no bigger in circumference than the ball python at its largest circumference” (McCurley, 2014), limiting them to medium-sized rats at the most. They also have no venom yet lack the strength to kill anything larger than their food. Because of this they cannot harm someone’s dog or cat.
Originating from Africa, ball pythons require a warm environment to thrive. If their temperature falls below 73 degrees they are unable to digest their food and will eventually die (Kaplan, 1996). In below freezing temperatures they will die within minutes. Simply put, they cannot survive Wisconsin’s winters.
Lastly, ball pythons have a calm demeanor and are much less likely to bite than other snake species. They are currently the most popular pet snake in America (Verada, 2015). They’re called the “ball” python because they’re extremely shy and would rather curl up into a ball than bite when they’re frightened.
Overall, ball pythons are a very safe family pet for all ages. I suggest creating an ordinance that allows non-venomous snakes under a certain length (many cities have a 6’ or 8’ limit). This will prevent dangerous snakes from being kept as pets, while simultaneously allowing safe species to be kept.