UCI’s Snake Research Project Is for the Birds

Re “Legs Knocked Out From Under Theory on Why Snakes Evolved” (Aug. 3): My goodness, have we nothing better to do than put snakes on custom-designed, motorized treadmills? How much did this little project cost . . . a million or so?

What’s wrong with this picture, I ask myself. I work in downtown Santa Ana and see many poor, homeless people each day who aren’t getting any help, and the number is increasing. It’s a very sad thing to look into those faces.

Of course, I’m sure they would feel infinitely better if I enlightened them and told them about the wonderful work that UC Irvine is doing for mankind by testing black racer snakes.

Thank you for reporting on this subject, as I believe the public should be made aware of the enormous amount of money that is wasted and that could be better spent on the homeless and seniors.

PETRA GILBERT

Orange