So I live in IL and thought that I could get friends and family to sign a formal letter. I could get some letters to the local reptile store for signatures. I also teach high school science but am not sure if my students signatures would count since they are under 18. Either way, is there a form letter I could copy so that I could pass it out and get signatures? I could mail them my self which would help... I think that online petitions are pretty much worthless. A real letter carries more weight then a call or online petition.

Of course, I know that some family will not sign the letter and there are a lot of people who simply hate snakes no matter what I have done to ease their distrust. Most non-herp people I know are simply terrified of snakes, small or large. But it is worth a try.