I got a male because even though you can state a measurement, they look much different in person you know? Females are larger than males but neither is unmanageable. And from what I have read Judy is right on - males are more likely to fast on you - especially during times of mating season etc. As a general rule though BP's are really chill and very unlikely to bite or strike at you mainly because they consider curling into a ball a defensive move and biting an offensive move- hence the American title of "Ball Python"- Europeans call them "Royal Pythons"... pretty huh So unless you smell like dinner BP's are not likely to bite at you... this means wash your hands before and after handling your snake and ESPECIALLY after handlinga prey item. It's just good to get into the habit of washing your hands before and after handling, also because of salmonella risk (snakes can carry salmonella)

EDIT: I need to read more closely haha Judy covered pretty much all of this. And if anyone has a 6 foot BP I would LOVE to see it b/c that is a pretty rare thing as others have already stated.