Scott, great questions! Every parent should inquire on the safety of their pets with minors. Fortunately, the short tail pythons are not life threatening, though like any animal can cause some harm if feeling threatened by biting. Unlike arboreal to semi-arboreal snakes who tend to be "clingy" thus posing a potential strangle threat during careless handling, short tails tend to wiggly and if they feel overly stresed-snap when threatened. In fact, I find even the most aggressive and stressed short-tails tend to try and get away from the handler, often wiggling erractically to get away.

Sounds aweful, but short-tails can be very laid back and unstressed by careful handling even with children. As a general rule, supervision is key with any snake and a younger child. It is hard to say what age is appropriate or what size snake, but you as a parent need to ultimately be the judge. Side on the side of caution not matter what.

Good luck.
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