The newspaper is not going to be an issue (health wise), however, they will get your lighter color snakes dirty. What you can do, if you are worried, is email that same newspaper company back, and see if you can swing by and get their leftover unprinted ends. . . I do that, I only pay like 2 dollars per roll, and it will last a good amount of time, no ink, and its basically free. . . way cheaper than any other substrate and it keeps the snakes looking good. Hope this helps.![]()