Here's the email I sent.

Dear Mr. Conyers Jr.,

I am writing in regard to a bill that is supposed to be heard in the next few days. The bill is meant to amend title 18, United States Code, to include constrictor snakes of the species Python genera as an injurious animal. I fully understand the intent of the bill which is likely in response to recent incidents involving snakes. Ranging from the rapid expansion of invasive species in Florida to the unfortunate death of an infant in recent weeks, snakes have certainly been the subject of less than favorable press. It is, however, important to note that the subject of most of these stories is only one species within the genus Python not all species within the genus.

If you were to ask most responsible owners of snakes, it is likely that they would all agree that the Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) is not an animal that should be kept by amateurs. Being one of the largest species of snake in the world, the Burmese Python is an animal that is meant to be respected and never treated lightly. H.R. 2811 is a bill that has good intentions but addresses too broad a spectrum of animals. The genus Python certainly includes the Burmese Python which is capable of growing close to 20 feet and 10 pounds but, it also includes Children's Pythons which grow to a maximum of 30 inches and is for all intents and purposes, harmless. Between the two extremes, the genus of Python includes 50 or so species, the majority of which do not come close to approaching the sheer size and mass of the Burmese Python.

I would urge you to amend H.R. 2811 so that it better reflects the purpose behind the bill without detrimentally affecting the community of snake keepers who are seeking to not only propagate many rare species of snakes but to also educate future generations about some of the most misunderstood and unjustifiably feared animals on the planet. I am a middle school science teacher who found science through my first love of reptiles and amphibians. I frequently use what I have learned through keeping snakes as well snakes themselves to bolster my curriculum and I can say without any hesitation that these animals have jolted the curiosity of some of my most stubborn and unmotivated students. I fear that this bill will erroneously outlaw the very animals that I care for and trust not only in my house but also in my classroom.

Once again, I understand that some species of python can certainly be viewed as dangerous but I would ask that the bill be altered to reflect a ban only on those species that have been proven to be potentially injurious rather than the entirety of the genus of Python. Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

Paul

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